MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk commemorates 80 years of liberation of the Philippines

NORFOLK, Va. – An event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf was held Saturday at the MacArthur Memorial in downtown Norfolk.

The battle was a key victory for the United States in World War II and effectively liberated the Philippines from Japanese control. It is considered the largest naval battle in history.

General Douglas MacArthur was a key figure in the battle and came ashore shortly after the victory.

Saturday’s event took place in the memorial hall with a 90-minute program of presentations and speakers, including Dr. Rodrigo Romulo of the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation.

Dr. Romulo’s grandfather, Carlos Romulo, was famous among those who went ashore with MacArthur after the battle.

“He not only hoped that he would find his wife and four sons, from whom he had been separated for almost three years,” Romulo recalled. “He hoped that he would see the Philippines rise again, and he did.”

The anniversary coincides with the end of Philippine American History Month. Because of its connection to the US Navy, Hampton Roads has thriving Filipino-American community to this day.