I'm particularly proud of this one

[Ian]

This photo has a lot of emotional value for me, personally. This was taken at the memorial near Tacloban City, on the Philippine island of Leyte (which is the home island of my mother), on the spot at Red beach, Palo village, where General Douglas MacArthur and his forces landed on 20th October 1944 to re-take the Philippines from the Japanese in WWII.

My mother was 19 years old at the time and, like many of her fellow Hilongos villagers, hid from the Japanese occupiers in the jungle hills of Leyte at the time. In a way, MacArthur's triumphant return secured my mother's liberty and enabled myself and my sisters, and her grand children (one of whom, my eldest, Elizabeth, is in the shot) to enjoy life and freedom.

Ian

[Pol]

Re: I'm particularly proud of this one

I'd been intending asking you if there was some sort of memorial. I'm so glad there is and so pleased you've posted a picture, especially as it's one of your own personal shots.

It's also extra special as Elizabeth is there in the picture. Altogether a very moving, very touching picture. Very fitting image to commemorate your trip.

Pol

[Jocelyn Walker]

Re: I'm particularly proud of this one

An excellent way of commemorating your mothers memorial! Evocative! A powerful shot, more so because you have explained the memorial itself as well as its relevance!

[Ian]

Re: I'm particularly proud of this one

I also recently learned that my sister's father in law (a Brit) flew US Navy Corsair aircraft carrier-based fighter bombers in the Pacific during WWII and he made a successful emergency landing in Leyte to refuel.

Ian

[ekkl]

Re: I'm particularly proud of this one

Some nice pictures you have been posting recently Ian, thank you.

It is nice to read from a personal perspective about that area as it is somewhere I know very little of.

[Barr1e]

Re: I'm particularly proud of this one

All the comments above express my feelings also.

Thanks to you and your family for a wonderful series of pix.

Regards. Barr1e

[Pops]

Re: I'm particularly proud of this one

Its a cracking shot with outstanding reflections.

[peter]

Re: I'm particularly proud of this one

I agree with the others this is a very good photo and the back story makes it even better in my book

[Caz]

Re: I'm particularly proud of this one

I agree with the others this is a very good photo and the back story makes it even better in my book

What he said... A real memory shot, one to return to again in the future

[PeterD]

Re: I'm particularly proud of this one

Hi Ian

What else can be said about the image and it's personal significance. I can see why you are pleased with this - justifiably so I might add.