Host town prepares to mark 72nd year of Leyte Gulf Landing

PALO, Leyte, Oct. 8 (PNA) – The Local Government here is preparing for the 72^nd commemoration of the Leyte Gulf Landing at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park on October 20.

Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla said the office of the president will send a representative since President Rodrigo Duterte will be out of the country.

As of this week, only the Embassy of Japan has communicated that their envoy will attend the annual rites.

The respective embassies of the allied forces have yet to confirm their representatives to the event.

On Oct. 20, 1944, American Forces landed on the Red Beach in Palo, Leyte, Landing at the beachhead that day was US Gen. Douglas MacArthur who fulfilled his promise, made in the famous lines “I shall returen”, two years earlier with him were then Philippine President Sergion Osmena and Brig. Gen. Carlos Romulo.

The landing, made in Candahug Village, 11 KM. from Tacloban City, also marked the reestablishment of the commonwealth Government on Philippine Soil after years of exile in the United States.

The battle of Leyte lasted for two months, ending on Dec. 31, 1944 and resulting in the victory of the allied forces.  There was also the battle of Ormoc Bay that followed in Ormoc City and camotes seas in Novermber 1944,

Petilla said the four-day event will start with the agri-aqua fair at the Leyte Academic Center on Oct. 17, which will feature the produce of different farmers’ organizations in the province.

A nightly concert at the park will be held, with local and national artists performing.  It will culminate on October 20 at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park.

The sunrise activity will be held at the park, and the Veterans parade around the park.  It will be highlighted by the sunset ceremony to be led by the veterans’ organizations, including the sons and daughters group. (PNA)

CVL/SQM/VICKY C. ARNAIZ/EGR