| On October 20, 1944, United States Army General Douglas MacArthur (January 26, 1880 – April 5, 1964) waded ashore with President of the Philippines Sergio Osmeña (September 9, 1878 – October 19, 1961) – seen here drinking from a canteen behind Macarthur – on Leyte as American troops landed to re-take the Philippines. MacArthur immediately delivered this radio address. “To the 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 than 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 operations, 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!” Manuel Quezon (August 19, 1878 – August 1, 1944) was President when the Japanese invaded and headed the Filipino government-in-exile until he died in August 1944 of tuberculosis. | |
| Image Filename | wwii1738.jpg |
| Image Size | 201.65 KB |
| Image Dimensions | 1240 x 1280 |
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| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | October 20, 1944 |
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| State or Province | Leyte |
| Country | Philippines |
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| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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