Paying Tribute

June 12, 1898 marks the independence of the Philippines from foreign rule. Just recently, the 113th commemoration of Philippine Independence was observed through parades, concerts, and the inevitable fireworks display in key cities of the country.

This photo was taken at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Here lies a total of 17,206 graves - the largest cemetery in the Pacific for US personnel and its allies who fought for our nation against the Japanese and were killed in World War II. Also carved in rectangular limestone are the names of 36,282 missing soldiers whose graves are unknown.

I may not know any of them but it was worth a visit. May they ALL rest in peace!