Pacific War Memorial at Corregidor Island

Back in summer, I got privileged to be invited to explore the beautiful island of Corregidor. I’ve been reading and hearing stories from old folks about Corregidor Island, especially about the old war days and I am literally intrigued. It was a really fun and educational day tour around Corregidor Island, and I will share the stories on many different blog posts. The island has its unique beauty and I think I want to come back to capture more stories.

During our day tour, we visited the only museum on the island called the Pacific War Memorial Museum.

Disclaimer: If historical war wasn’t your kind of topic, and gives you anxiety or maybe trauma, or causes depression, I suggest you click back and visit my other travel stories here.

Okay back to the memorial museum.

One of the main attractions on the island is the Pacific War Memorial. It was built by the United States Government to honor American and Filipino servicemen who participated in the Pacific War. It costs approximately $3,000,000 and was completed in 1968.

Truly the word “war” is a very sensitive topic, and for many people of the new generation, this sounds a quite boring topic.

Inside the Museum

It just happens that I’m the type of person who has an interest in history, old things like antiques, etc., and anything that exists many decades ago because I find it a blessing to get a glimpse of that life today.

It was truly admiring that some concerned citizens have managed to secure these many remains, like maps, photographs, soldiers’ pins and badges, clothing, newspaper clippings, etc. During those hard times, I understand that keeping them would be the last thing on their minds, moving from place to place and trying to survive and defend the island from many invaders. For the contributors of these remains, thank you for your great efforts!

Portraits of many American Generals and officials. Like seriously, there are f**king good-looking officers! Are our military men always this good-looking?

Together with the group of Filipino war veterans, we toured inside the memorial museum. I noticed that some of them are very quiet staring blankly at the photographs, and some are even flowing in tears (maybe remembering their comrades from the photographs). I couldn’t help noticing their gestures and took a few photographs of them, carefully not bothering them during their silence.

There are times that I felt my teardrops flowing down my cheeks seeing those remains inside the enclosed glass cases while observing these many brave war veterans and I admit it is quite hard to take photographs during those moments. I have to take a deep breath, and took some courage to understand these things in front of me… war days are tough, and indeed I can’t say if I can make it.

If you are into airplanes, you will definitely appreciate these old war airplane models proudly displayed on the wall. I wonder if the museum has a plan to create a replicate of one of these warplanes. The production of a replica would cost more, but I think it would be a wonderful addition to the museum.

More small souvenirs of war such as this old telephone, bottles, padlocks, photographs news clippings.

These might have no value to some but their existence narrates the story of the disastrous events during the Pacific War.

The Corregidor Flag, which as you’ve noticed has a resemblance to the United States flag.

The Pacific War Memorial Grounds

Aside from the museum, part of the Pacific War Memorial is the beautiful open garden, which also stands the old remains of the building next to the museum.

This is a quaint structure next to the museum, which I think is the remains of the hospital building.

You’ll also notice this huge round-shaped structure with a skylight over its dome apex which serves as a shrine. It is believed that for three consecutive years on the 6th of May, the sun shines down directly on the altar. It is also the day when Corregidor was retaken from the Japanese Army.

The pathway going to the Eternal Flame of Freedom, a sculpture made of steel which is designed by Aristides Demetrios stands near the place where General Douglas MacArthur celebrated Corregidor’s retaking from the Japanese. Those walls have engraved names of fallen Filipino and American servicemen.

Editor’s Observations

Although the whole grounds are spacious and beautiful, I couldn’t help noticing that there are a lot of improvements needed to keep this place more attractive to visit. Just like this pathway are from the Eternal Flame of Freedom sculpture going to the altar dome – both pool sides are so dry, and depressing to view. They should clean this area and reinstalled the water pipe, and maybe add some lights to make it more attractive even at night time. Or they could turn these pools into koi pool gardens, just like those in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Staring at this area makes me feel sad and cold – a depressing sight, which I believe shouldn’t be. War is over and it is good to remember, but it isn’t good to carry the burden of the past. At least make this area a little festive to remember how great our servicemen are.

Overall, the experience is remarkable and will help to awaken your sleeping patriotism to the country. What I’ve learned back in school isn’t enough, and visiting this place helps to solidify my understanding of the Pacific War. I thank our fallen servicemen for their bravery, and for their love for our country.

Without their sacrifices, we aren’t benefiting from its worth today.

My gratitude is quite hard to tell in words… all I could give is a thankful prayer and a moment of silence.

Thank you to the Corregidor Foundation team for inviting me for this tour. This is just a small part of the entire tour, and will share more stories soon!

Visiting the island is totally worth it!

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Book your tour at Corregidor Sun Cruises Tour where they offer a day tour and an overnight tour.
(includes tour package)

Visit their website at www.corregidorphilippines.com for tour booking!

Have you visited the Pacific War Memorial on Corregidor Island? Share your memories here!