Today is a great day! why? it is because on this day 64 years ago our brave Filipino troops together with their American allies fought and liberated our dear city of Manila! Forget Stalingrad! The battle of Manila is one, if not the most ferocious and bloodiest battle in the pacific war. On this day 64 years ago Manila was turned to ruble as the last pocket of resistance from the IJA was bombarded by heavy artillery from the U.S XIV Corps and the 37th Division. It's really nice to reminisce and think about this decision of the yanks to raze our beloved city to the ground, is it really necessary? damn yanks! Why did they do it? to save American lives they say,take note "American lives", not Filipinos, at the cost of destroying our rich cultural landmarks! What if it's the Lincoln memorial? or the Washington monument? I wonder if they will shell those places in the name of saving American lives.damn! Anyway as my good friend always tell me: "it's all in the past let go of it, better look to the future" I would always retort: "always remember that those who don't look at the past are bound to repeat it." and it always gets him to shut-up. Now I end this little talk with what is inscribed in the Shrine of Freedom that commemorates this truly historic battle.
"This memorial is dedicated to all those innocent victims of war, many of whom went nameless and unknown to a common grave, or even never knew a grave at all, their bodies having been consumed by fire or crushed to dust beneath the rubble of ruins."
"Let this monument be the gravestone for each and every one of the over 100,000 men, women, children and infants killed in Manila during its battle of liberation, February 3 - March 3, 1945. We have not forgotten them, nor shall we ever forget."
"May they rest in peace as part now of the sacred ground of this city: the Manila of our affections."
