Embassy of the United States in Manila

U.S., Philippines and Allies commemorate 1945 Battle of Corregidor

The flags of the United States and the Philippines fly high before the ruins of a barracks on Corregidor during the March 2 ceremony commemorating the United States troops’ retaking of the island fortress from the Japanese Imperial Army in World War II.

The flags of the United States and the Philippines fly high before the ruins of a barracks on Corregidor during the March 2 ceremony commemorating the United States troops’ retaking of the island fortress from the Japanese Imperial Army in World War II. The Battle of Corregidor lasted from February 16 to March 1, 1945, and as U.S. troops searched the island for remaining enemy soldiers, General Douglas MacArthur ordered the 503 rd Parachute Regimental Command Team: “I see the old flagpole still stands. Have your troops hoist the colors to its peak, and let no enemy ever haul them down.”


(Above, from right:) Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, U.S. Ambassador Francis Ricciardone and representatives of member-countries of the Allied Forces in World War II stand at attention while Philippine and U.S. national anthems are played. (Below, right:) The Ambassador and President Arroyo offers a wreath at the Corregidor Shrine. (Bottom, right:) In his remarks, Ambassador Ricciardone said that commemorating the battle, the U.S. and its allies “re-dedicate ourselves…to upholding ever and always the cause of freedom and democracy.”

Senator Richard Gordon (above), Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki and U.S. Major Gen. Perkins joined President Arroyo and Ambassador Ricciardone in the Corregidor Shrine

while the 296 th U.S. Army Japan Band provided martial music.

Senator Richard Gordon (above), Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki and U.S. Major Gen. Perkins joined President Arroyo and Ambassador Ricciardone in the Corregidor Shrine, while the 296 th U.S. Army Japan Band provided martial music.

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