#00 Pic. PSHS member Chaplain Don Biadog’s post on Facebook

80 Years ago, in October 1944 the Allied forces in the Pacific were preparing to re-conquer the Philippines and other Pacific Islands from the Imperial Japanese forces.

Led by General Douglas MacArthur, the Allies were turning the tide against the Japanese forces. Our Team of OHOA volunteers are honored to participate the historic occasions on 18-20 Oct 2024, Palo and Tacloban, Leyte and Hinunganan, South Leyte.

During and following the military-driven events, our OHOA team members are helping the WW-II veterans, family members, children, youth, and adults in Palo, Dulag, Leyte, and Hinunganan, Talisay, South Leyte.

Thank you for your prayers.
Don Biadog

——————————————-

The Liberation Anniversaries have begun! There was great joy in the hearts of the Filipinos when the Liberation of the Philippines begun. The POWs and the US and other foreign civilians held by the Japanese Imperial Military, their hearts also wanted to burst with joy.

——————————————

This first anniversary is presented by the Manila Standard and the Philippine Scout Heritage Association:

Manila Standard, click here:

Philippine Scout Heritage Association, click here:

#01 Pic. People re-enact the historic landing of the late US General Douglas McArthur during the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Leyte Gulf Landings on October 20, 2024. (Photo by Ver Noveno)

#02 Pic. In attendance at the event, Dr. Rico Jose, a prominent Philippine WW2 historian from the University of the Philippines, and PSHS member Albert Labrador.

#03 Pic. Historians and reenactors at the event.

#04 Pic. More reenactors

—————————————————————

Marie Vallejo’s book, Dauntless

Just had to share with you! DAUNTLESS is a finalist in the 42nd National Book Award! So many years of research since the information was scattered in several libraries and archives and many were top-secret. Thank you to all who supported me in the long, satisfying, and fruitful journey! – Marie Vallejo

The book is an exhaustive history of the 1st and 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments that arrived with Gen. MacArthur in 1944 and took part in the Philippine liberation. Congratulations Marie on the award!

#05 Pic. Marie Vallejo

—————————————————————

Relics from 1944

A few items from the Liberation era.

#06 Pic.  A patriotic mailing envelope honoring the Philippine Scouts in Bataan. The letter was postmarked September 27, 1944, roughly a month before US forces landed back in the Philippines.

#07 Pic. A patriotic mailing envelope with the Philippine Division insignia declaring that the Americans were on the way. It was postmarked October 23, 1944 –  a few days after the landing in Leyte.

#08 Pic. A matchbox with the “I shall return” promise. Cigarettes and matches with this propaganda were secretly distributed to the Filipinos to keep the hope and morale up, promising that the Americans were coming soon.