Martin Meadows was kind enough to forward some photos and a letter from Mr. Aaron Key, past president of the Elks of Manila lodge 761, involving the 80th Commemoration of the Liberation of Manila which was held at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial on 22 February 2025. This event was one of many commenorations which occurred in the Philippines and United States this year.

I cannot possibly do justice in recapping the events that occurred here this past week. I would simply be grasping at words to do justice. It was an overwhelming success. A chapter was written in the legacy of human triumph.

The returning heroes were greeted by the Ambassador and a delegation at the airport.

On Feb 18th, at the Manila Elks Lodge, with an audience of Veterans, I read your letter to the returning WWII veterans Corporal John Hodges of Virginia age 101 and Yeoman Second Class Arthur Grabiner of New York City. They were joined at the Lodge by Filipino Guerilla fighter Prospero Evangelista aged 97. He fought with Captain Ramon Magsaysay, the future 7th President of the Philippines.

To our Liberators:

It is not really possible to fully express my gratitude for what you and your fellow GIs did in liberating the Santo Tomas Internment Camp and its nearly 4,000 prisoners some 80 years ago. I was a scrawny 14-year old, 69-pound youth at that time. Hardly a day passes when I do not happen to recall that literally life-altering day — or rather, night — and the inexpressible thankfulness, happiness, and relief that flooded over us internees. Even now, eight decades later, I still tear up (really) when I try (but fail) to describe that indescribable night.

At the risk of exposing my pretentiousness, I would like to quote two well-known writers. Cicero, the renowned ancient Roman statesman, philosopher and orator, said that gratitude is “the greatest of virtues”; and that fable-spinner Aesop said “Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.” Well, I certainly don’t know about all that; and, frankly, I am rather dubious about such overblown claims. But of one thing I am certain. Gentlemen, it is incredibly impressive that you are in attendance at this extraordinary Commemoration. I am truly honored to say to you (unfortunately at a distance) and all your fellow Liberators, past and present: you have our undying gratitude — you have never been, and you will never be, forgotten. [Martin Meadows]

Prospero recounted the night Magsaysay gave an order to light a signal fire near the beach but did not reveal the reason. The fire signaled awaiting American forces off-shore in the night. It was a signal preparing for the American landing. They had returned. His voice cracked with joy as he told the story.

Yeoman Arthur Grabiner told of dodging kamikaze planes, zigging and zagging and sometimes not being successful in doing so. He witnessed the burial at sea of 1500 sailors at one time. An event of the nature no generation should ever endure again nor bear in the their memories for 80 years.

Corporal Hodges who land in Zambales and fought through Zig Zag pass said that “they had a job to do and they did it”

They had a full week of meetings, lectures, tours and ceremonies. They imparted their messages to youth, Scouts and University students. They made national headlines, shook hands with President Marcos, inspired Veterans who came after them and Arthur sang New York New York at the Elks lunch.

On Saturday, in addition to the President of the Philippines, members of his cabinet, the U.S. Ambassador and the Head Admiral of US Indo-Pacific Forces, four of their former Filipino comrades from WWII, a thousand others came. The spirits of those interned were stirred.

I took note of one of the several banners honoring the fallen. Mildred Mae Harper whom we exchanged about recently. Her gleaming smile is eternal.

The height of my day was when Leslie Murray was reunited in particular with Corporal John Hodges. As it turned out he made it all the way from his landing at Zambales to the grounds of Santo Tomas where he recalled being ordered to disperse beer and chocolate. When he and Leslie exchanged he asked her if she was one of the ones they gave the beer and chocolate to. She confirmed she received the chocolate but not the beer. She gifted them with coins from the Filipino American Monument Endowment (FAME). 

So much occurred that day, this week with pivotal effects to follow. An eternal torch was passed forward to the testament of human triumph.

Thank you for your inspiration Martin. As noted, I can’t provide the due tribute to this week and the Commemoration Ryan orchestrated on Feb 22 by Ryan Blum.

A 1000 words, 1000 moments recalled and 1000 photos…and one would only be at the start of the story.

Editor’s note: My uncle, Alvah Don Johnson of the U.S. 31st Infantry Regiment, is one of the many victims of World War II buried in the Cemetery.