Summary
The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines honors the American and allied servicemen who died fighting the Japanese in World War II. The Cemetery offers repose to soldiers who died in the Pacific theater, which included the Philippines, New Guinea, and the Pacific islands.
At 152 acres, it is one of the largest overseas cemeteries for American World War II soldiers. Only the Normandy American Cemetery in France is larger, and the Manila plot has it beat in terms of the largest number of graves – 17,202 American and allied servicemen rest in the Manila American Cemetery’s grounds. Moreover, a memorial on the Cemetery’s grounds honors the 36,279 American servicemen listed as Missing in Action while serving in the Pacific during the war.
The scale of the Manila American Cemetery – and the number of dead and MIA servicemen it honors – showcases the immense sacrifice made during the Pacific theater in World War II. Therefore, the American Battle Monuments Commission maintains the American Cemetery in honor of the servicemen who gave their lives for freedom’s cause in the Pacific.
Grounds of the American Cemetery
The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial occupies a plateau covering 152 acres in the Manila suburb of Taguig. The 17,206 graves on the site represent bodies of servicemen recovered from locations across the southwest and central Pacific.
The graves include those of 16,636 Americans and 570 Philippine Scouts who served in the Pacific theater. Additionally, 3,744 unidentified soldiers also rest within the grounds of the American Cemetery.
The graves are marked by white marble headstones arranged in a circular pattern on gently sloping grounds. The graves encircle a central circular structure that includes a white chapel and two hemicycles honoring the war’s many missing servicemen.
The war exacted a tremendous toll on American families, which is evident by the fact that in at least 20 instances in the Cemetery, two brothers lie next to one another. Furthermore, the Tablets of the Missing display the names of the five Sullivan brothers from Iowa, who perished when their ship, the USS Juneau, sank in the Pacific.
The American Cemetery’s Chapel
Ascending the central pathway leading to the chapel, visitors cross into a grassy terrace known as the Memorial Court. The American Cemetery’s chapel occupies the south end of the circle defined by the two hemicycles encompassing the Memorial Court.
The chapel’s façade features sculptures by Boris Lovet Lorski and Filipino artist Cecchetti, depicting St. George battling the dragon as well as personifications of Liberty, Justice, and Country. At the very pinnacle of the relief stands Columbia accompanied by a child, symbolizing the future.
Inside, the chapel’s worship area is accentuated with an altar crafted from Sicilian marble, while behind it is a blue mosaic of a Madonna figure scattering flowers in memory of the heroic dead.
Every hour from 9 am to 5 pm, a carillon sounds to mark the hour and half hour. Notably, at 5 pm, the carillon plays the national anthems of both the U.S. and the Philippines, followed by a volley of rifles and the playing of “taps”.
The Tablets of the Missing
Limestone walls within the two hemicycles display 36,285 names of those missing in action from the Pacific theater.
It is important to note that not all names listed on the Tablets of the Missing remain missing; those whose remains were recovered and subsequently identified are marked with rosettes.
The Tablets of the Missing are organized by Armed Service and listed alphabetically from the southern ends of each hemicycle. The west hemicycle features the missing servicemen from the Navy and Marines, while the frieze facing the Memorial Court lists the Pacific battles waged by these divisions.
In contrast, the east hemicycle lists the missing from the Army, Army Air Forces, and Coast Guard. Furthermore, its frieze facing the Memorial Court lists their respective battles.
The marble floors of each hemicycle proudly display the great Seal of the United States alongside seals from the States of the Union, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
The Map Rooms, Manila American Cemetery
Map rooms located at the ends of the hemicycles illustrate significant battles in the Pacific War. In total, 25 mosaic maps depict the storied exploits of the U.S. Armed Forces in this crucial and expansive theater.
The maps are meticulously crafted from tinted concrete, colored aggregates, and mosaic inserts, with text made from plastic. The borders of each map reflect the distinct art patterns of the Pacific countries affected by the war.
Visitors from the hemicycles can enjoy views over the lowlands of the capital towards Laguna de Bay, although this scenery is becoming increasingly obstructed by high-rises being constructed in neighboring Fort Bonifacio.
Getting to the American Cemetery
The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial is located along the border of Makati and Taguig within metropolitan Manila. The American Cemetery is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm; however, it is closed on December 25 and January 1.
To reach the American Cemetery from the Makati central business district, the easiest way is via taxi, which generally takes 10-15 minutes and costs around $1.50, or approximately PHP 60.
Moreover, public transport options are available to access the American Cemetery. For instance, you can catch the MRT to the Makati Ayala Station, then exit on the east side of the station and walk towards the intersection of Ayala Avenue and EDSA, across from the gas station. Around that corner, you’ll find a jeepney terminal; simply inform the driver to stop in front of the American Cemetery.
Upon entering the American Cemetery, you will notice a Visitors’ Building just inside the main gate. Here, you can access information, register your visit, and take advantage of their well-maintained restroom facilities, which are among the few publicly accessible clean bathrooms in Manila. Additionally, staff members are available to assist with any questions you may have.
Manila American Cemetery Contact Details
Address: Manila American Cemetery, #1 Lawton Avenue, Taguig City, Philippines
Phone: 011-632-844-0212
Fax: 011-632-812-4717
Email: supt@abmc-ar.org
