Located in the Topside sector of Corregidor Island in the province of Cavite, the Pacific War Memorial is a memorial structure erected in commemoration of the Filipino and American servicemen who fought and gave their lives in the Pacific Theater during the Second World War.
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| Pacific War Memorial |
Pacific War Memorial Details
The Pacific War Memorial was constructed several years after the war and was completed in 1968. Construction cost was said to be at least 1.23 million dollars, most of which was contributed by the United States Congress.
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| Pacific War Memorial - Corregidor Island, Cavite |
The Pacific War Memorial actually consists of several monuments. The most popular of which is the main structure, which is the dome. It is known for the skylight hole on top of it, which lets the sunlight in during the day.
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| The circular marble below the skylight |
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| The skylight |
Stone memorials for every major battle in the Pacific Theater
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| The Philippine Resistance Movement |
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| Marianas Campaign and the Central Pacific |
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| South Pacific and the Defense of the Philippines |
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| Defense of Hawaii ang the Southwest Pacific Campaigns |
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| North Pacific Campaign and the New Guinea to the Philippine Campaigns |
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| The Philippine Liberation |
Directly underneath the skylight is a circular marble altar with these words inscribed on its edge... "Sleep, my sons, your duty done, for Freedom's light has come; sleep in the silent depths of the sea, or in your bed of hallowed sod, until you hear at dawn the low, clear reveille of God." Every year, during the week of May 6, the sunlight would directly light up the circular marble altar. May 6, for those who don't know, is the day when Corregidor fell into Japanese hands.
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| Eternal Flame of Freedom |
Behind the dome is a large abstract steel sculpture called the Eternal Flame of Freedom. It symbolizes the sacrifices of the Filipinos and Americans to keep the fire of freedom burning.
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| Pacific War Memorial Museum |
Besides the main structure is the Pacific War Museum, which houses old photographs and artifacts related to the Pacific War during the Second World War.
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| Brothers in Arms |
Since I'm an avid reader of war stories, my trip to the Pacific War Memorial Museum connected me to the men and women who once fought for the freedom of the Philippines. Seeing those artifacts inside the museum made the stories I read more realistic. I wish more Filipinos would try and visit Corregidor Island so that they could see and understand the true nature and horrors of war.
Pacific War Memorial Fees
It's FREE to enter and explore the Pacific War Memorial and its museum.
Pacific War Memorial Operating Hours
The Pacific War Memorial is open 24/7.
Why visit the Pacific War Memorial?
Visiting the Pacific War Memorial offers a unique opportunity to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who fought during World War II. Located on the historic island of Corregidor, the memorial’s serene and symbolic design, highlighted by its dome with an oculus that illuminates the altar every May 6th, provides a powerful reminder of hope and resilience.
Getting to the Pacific War Memorial:
Update: This information may be outdated.
Unless you charter a private yacht—which can be quite expensive—or travel to Bataan to rent a fishing boat to reach the island (a tiring option if you’re coming from Manila), the most convenient way to visit Corregidor Island used to be through Sun Cruises.
For many years, Sun Cruises dominated Corregidor’s tourism scene, offering convenient daily ferry trips from Manila to Corregidor. The ferry departed once a day from the Sun Cruise Terminal located at the Esplanade Seaside Terminal, Esplanade Seaside Park, Seaside Blvd., MOA Complex, Pasay City. Boarding time was at 7:00 AM, with departure at 7:30 AM, and the return trip to Manila was scheduled at 3:00 PM (boarding at 2:30 PM in Corregidor).
Contact (historical reference):
📍 Esplanade Seaside Terminal, Seaside Blvd., MOA Complex, Pasay City
📞 (02) 8628-9751(Note: As of recent years, Sun Cruises has reportedly ceased operations, and alternative tour operators or ferry services may now handle Corregidor tours. Please verify the latest travel arrangements before planning your visit.)
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