ALA-ALA: REMEMBRANCES -
An exhibit of WWII photos, found by an artist among discarded items on the street, will be featured in the Long Beach Public Library and Information Center. These historical pictures were taken by the United States Army Signal Corps during the liberation of the Philippines. The exhibit opens to the public on October 12 - 30, 2010. A private exhibit opening reception took place on October 9, Saturday. http:// Found WWII Photos On Display at Long Beach Library | News | Long Beach Press-Telegram
An exhibit of WWII photos, found by an artist among discarded items on the street, will be featured in the Long Beach Public Library and Information Center. These historical pictures were taken by the United States Army Signal Corps during the liberation of the Philippines. The exhibit opens to the public on October 12 - 30, 2010. A private exhibit opening reception took place on October 9, Saturday. http:// Found WWII Photos On Display at Long Beach Library | News | Long Beach Press-Telegram
These are some of the photos from the collection
"I Have Returned" - General Douglas MacArthur. When Americans stormed ashore at Leyte, it fulfilled a promise by General Douglas MacArthur made in the dark days following the fall of the Philippines to the Japanese in 1942.
October 20, 1944, was a day of redemption for Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur as he splashed ashore on the Philippine island of Leyte. It was a complete turnaround from the last time he had seen the islands.
The Japanese army had chased MacArthur out of the islands in March 1942. He had barely escaped Corregidor Island via a Navy PT boat. As he left the Philippines, he vowed, “I shall return.”
But it wasn’t easy. By May of that year, the Japanese controlled everything from Burma to the Aleutians and threatened Australia.
American forces were fighting a desperate fight on land, sea and air.
Then in quick succession came the Battle of Coral Sea and the astounding U.S. Navy victory at Midway. The U.S. Marines began the long road back fighting in the tropical Hell of Guadalcanal. U.S. Army and Australian forces forced their way through the jungles of New Guinea.
Each month, American might grew, and they took on the Japanese at Tarawa, Peleliu, Biak, Saipan, Guam and finally America was ready to redeem MacArthur’s pledge to the people of the Philippines.
With U.S. Army troops still fighting, MacArthur landed at Red Beach on Leyte, and, via radio, he addressed the Philippine people. “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.”
Much fighting remained, but the landing at Leyte began the liberation of a people.
The Japanese army had chased MacArthur out of the islands in March 1942. He had barely escaped Corregidor Island via a Navy PT boat. As he left the Philippines, he vowed, “I shall return.”
But it wasn’t easy. By May of that year, the Japanese controlled everything from Burma to the Aleutians and threatened Australia.
American forces were fighting a desperate fight on land, sea and air.
Then in quick succession came the Battle of Coral Sea and the astounding U.S. Navy victory at Midway. The U.S. Marines began the long road back fighting in the tropical Hell of Guadalcanal. U.S. Army and Australian forces forced their way through the jungles of New Guinea.
Each month, American might grew, and they took on the Japanese at Tarawa, Peleliu, Biak, Saipan, Guam and finally America was ready to redeem MacArthur’s pledge to the people of the Philippines.
With U.S. Army troops still fighting, MacArthur landed at Red Beach on Leyte, and, via radio, he addressed the Philippine people. “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.”
Much fighting remained, but the landing at Leyte began the liberation of a people.
Long Beach Public Library and Information Center
The Main Library is located in the Long Beach Civic Center at 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90822. The telephone Number is (562) 570-7500.
New Parking Rates effective Feb. 1, 2010: Parking is available in the Civic Center parking structure located at Broadway and Chestnut. First 30 minutes free, $1.75 for each 20 minutes thereafter OR $1.75 for up to 2 hours for library patrons with library validation ($10.00 maximum/lost ticket). Library Hours: Sun-Mon: Closed; Tues: 10-8 p.m.; Wed-Thurs: 10-6 p.m.; Fri-Sat: 10-5 p.m.
New Parking Rates effective Feb. 1, 2010: Parking is available in the Civic Center parking structure located at Broadway and Chestnut. First 30 minutes free, $1.75 for each 20 minutes thereafter OR $1.75 for up to 2 hours for library patrons with library validation ($10.00 maximum/lost ticket). Library Hours: Sun-Mon: Closed; Tues: 10-8 p.m.; Wed-Thurs: 10-6 p.m.; Fri-Sat: 10-5 p.m.
