By Ana Morgan
The Leyte Herald October 4, 2024
In Tacloban, Leyte, there is a place where history and memory collide, where the statues of General Douglas McArthur stand tall, as they did the day he made good on his promise, “I shall return.” The people of Tacloban remember. They tell their children the story of liberation, of a land that fought back and won. The reopening of McArthur Park is not just a celebration; it is a remembrance of promises kept and battles won.
"I came through and I shall return."
Survivors of the Storm
Years ago, the park stood in ruins, just like the rest of the city, as Typhoon Yolanda tore through the heart of Tacloban. The wind and the water did their worst. Lives were lost, homes shattered, but the people remained. The park is built again, but it’s the people who rebuilt themselves, stronger than before. It stands as a symbol of their unwavering spirit, a place to come and remember that they are survivors, and they will always rise.
"There is no substitute for victory."
A Place of Pride and Rebirth
Today, McArthur Park is more than just a memorial. It is a place where families come to sit by the sea, where children run and laugh. It is a park that reminds everyone who visits that hope can be rebuilt, brick by brick, statue by statue. For the people of Tacloban, the reopening of the park is a moment of pride, not only for their city but for their resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.
"In war, there is no second prize for the runner-up."
Shared With the World
McArthur Park is ready to welcome the world again. It stands as a testament to the fighting spirit of the Filipinos, and a beacon of hope to those who still remember the storm. Visitors from near and far come not only to see the statues but to walk among a people who know what it means to rise, fight, and rebuild. The park is alive, not only with the past but with the promise of the future.
"I shall return."
Ana Morgan
(contributing writer of The Leyte Herald)
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