Ze001. We hired a Sun Cruises vehicle for 400 peso and dropped off here, Topside on Corregidor at the Rock Force Monument.
For many years we have visited Corregidor on the 16th Feb. and observe the Anniversary of the 503d Paratroopers raising the 48 Star US Flag under fire on the west end of the Topside Anniversary.
As usual the Corregidor Foundation Incorporated (CFI) provided the 48 Star Flag which was donated by the Gen. MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk.
This was the first time that CFI Security contractor could not support the event. On this very day, the 16th Feb. 2019, was the very first day that the new Security contractor assumed the watch.
Ze002. The dramatic image of the WWII image of Paratroopers raising the first US flag on Corregidor on the 16th Feb. 1945. T/5 Frank Guy Arrigo accompanied by Pfc Clyde I. Bates raised the flag. Photo – courtesy of Corregidor.org. That is the reason we are here, this was the first step of the Liberation Of Corregidor in 1945.
Ze003. We marched to the west end of the Topside Parade Ground, in the former Fort Mills on Corregidor Island. This is the first year that I remember, that the grass is not cut. The tractor with the attached mower was standing nearby but maybe it is not operational.
Ze004. We prepared the flag for hoisting.
Ze005. These are the new security personnel assuming their duties this very morning. CFI said that they could not participate because of this reason. We were also told that in a few days they also will in the other khaki Philippine Scout type uniforms.
Ze006. We are preparing the flag for hoisting.
Ze007. It is the 48 Star Flag donated by the Gen. MacArthur Memorial. It has 6 rows of 8 stars.
Ze008. The flag is going up.
Ze009. The flag is going up.
Ze010. The flag is going up.
Ze011. The flag is going up.
Ze012. The flag is going up.
[IMG]https://philippine-sailor.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Ze013.jpg[/IMG]
Ze013. We were an international group, left to right:
Mr. Romeo Benitez, he volunteered to participate. He is from Maragondon, home of a big Andres Bonifacio Memorial. He said he also represent Mike Ross, a former Pease Corps Volunteer who was in the hospital today in Manila for5 an operation. We hope he will get well soon.
Mr. John Moffitt, a Canadian who has visited Corregidor over 55 times. He has written much in the Corregidor Forum about his Corregidor Exploration and Research.
A young Filipina from Bulucan who was able to out-walk us all, during this 4 day visit. She was very much interested in the Philippine history!
Mr. Gary Vodicka, a Texan, who is extremely interested in WWII History in the Philippines and has visited this country and Corregidor many times.
Karl Welteke, a German-American who has visited Corregidor 60 times and many other Philippine historical places including the Andres Bonifacio Memorial in Maragondon, just across the mouth of Manila Bay.
A 6th Person who is in one of the following pictures is John Byrne, an Australian, who also participated at the last anniversary. He represented the Mr. Paul Whitman, an Australian and the webmaster of the huge and very great corregidor.org/ webpage. He was unable to come this year.
Ze014. In this picture are the same people as in the last picture.
Ze015. In this picture is Mr. John Byrne, an Australian, who also participated at the last anniversary. He represented the Mr. Paul Whitman, an Australian and the webmaster of the huge and very great corregidor.org/ webpage. He was unable to come this year.
Ze016. In this picture are the same people as in the last picture.
Ze017. Mr. Romeo Benitez, he volunteered to participate. He is from Maragondon, home of a big Andres Bonifacio Memorial. He said he also represent Mike Ross, a former Pease Corps Volunteer who was in the hospital today in Manila for5 an operation. We hope he will get well soon.
Ze018. In this picture is the plaque on this First Flag Monument honoring T/5 Frank Guy Arrigo and Pfc Clyde. They are the two troopers in the dramatic image of the WWII image of Paratroopers raising the first US flag on Corregidor on the 16th Feb. 1945.
Ze019. This plaque honors Mr. Clark and Karen Judy who sponsored the project in memory of Lt. Clark H. Judy of the Regimental HQ and HQ Co., who was killed at Monkey Point after ten days on Corregidor.
Ze020. This plaque honors all the people and organization that contributed in establishing the First Flag Monument to the Liberation of Corregidor and all the Philippines.
Troopers of the 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment raised the US flag on a power pole 1945-02-16 on the first day of the assault. Over the years the pole has disappeared. Friends of Corregidor made an effort to find it and did. Between a gracious donor (Mr. Clark and Karen Judy}, the Kwiecinski family, Mr. Paul Whitman coordinating and the Corregidor Foundation INC. granting permission and doing all the work this new Memorial/Marker was established in 2015/16.
Great photos, Karl! Thank you for the report. You always do a super job.