A PROMISE KEPT!

 

(In the afternoon of October 20, 1944, MacArthur went ashore on Leyte accompanied by Sergio Osmena, President of the Philippines.  On the beach the general delivered into a microphone his speech of liberation, which was repeated several times by high power radio for all Filipinos to hear.)

 

Pres. Sergio Osmena and Gen. Douglas MacArthur

 

This is the voice of freedom, General MacArthur speaking.  People of the Philippines, I have returned. By the grace of Almighty God our forces stand again on Philippine soil - soil consecrated in the blood of our two peoples. We have come, dedicated and committed, to the task of destroying every vestige of  enemy control over your daily lives, and of restoring upon a foundation of indestructible strength, the liberties of your people.

At my side is your President, Sergio Osmena, worthy successor of that great patriot, Manuel Quezon, with members of his cabinet. The seat of your government is now, therefore, firmly re-established on Philippine soil.

The hour of your redemption is here. Your patriots have demonstrated an unswerving and resolute devotion to the principles of freedom that challenges the best that is written on the pages of human history. I now call upon your supreme effort that the enemy may know from the temper of an aroused and outraged people within that he has a force there to contend with no less violent then is the force committed from without.

 

Rally to me! Let the indomitable spirit of Bataan and Corregidor lead on. 

As the lines of battle roll forward to bring you within the zone of operation, rise and strike!  Strike at every favorable opportunity.  For your homes and hearths, strike!  For future generations of your sons and daughters, strike!  In the name of your sacred dead, strike!  Let no heart be faint.  Let every arm be steeled.  The guidance of divine God points the way.  Follow in His Name to the Holy Grail of righteous victory!

 

DOUGLAS MACARTHUR

                                                      October 20, 1944

                                                      Leyte, Philippines

 

 

11th Airborne in Leyte Carrying a Wounded Trooper to Safety

 

 

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