The Eternal Flame of Freedom - Beautiful Sunday
My Share for #BeautifulSunday initiated by @ace108
After that quiet tour inside the museum, it is time to explore the outside area of the Pacific War Memorial. It has been an incredible trip and our journey has almost reached its end. I still recall the moment I stepped on the island I never expected that I would be learning a lot about our history. Corregidor Island in the Philippines is a historically rich island embraced by the beauty of nature. Come with me today as we see the flame that will forever burn in the heart of Corregidor.
The Eternal Flame of Freedom
Read back to follow our adventure on the island.
Part 1 Voyage to the Island of Corregidor
Part 2 Exploring the Island of Corregidor
Part 3 The Ruins of Middleside Barracks
Part 4 The Last Stand of Battery Way
Part 5 The Colossal Gun of the Island: Battery Hearn
Part 6 The Haunted Hospital of Corregidor
Part 7 The Mile Long Barracks
Part 8 Pacific War Memorial Museum
Part 9 Pacific War Memorial Museum "Weapons of War"
At the center of the entrance to the memorial, you will see a dramatic statue. The statue is entitled, "Brothers in Arms" which was funded by the United States government and erected in 1968.
The scene is very moving where a badly wounded soldier is carried along by a comrade. Based on the facial features of the statue I think that the wounded soldier is a Filipino. A symbolism of our wounded country and helped by the United States during this tragic war. The bond of the soldiers here has made them into brothers.
In the background, you would see the two flags of the two nations flying high above the memorial.
Underneath the statue is a poem by an unknown writer. Dedicated to the soldiers who gave their lives in the name of freedom and peace in the Pacific.
Beyond the statue will lead you to the dome which is one of major highlights of the memorial. Dedicated to the American and Philippine soldiers during the Pacific War.
There were also a few people headed to the dome during that time. The place is well maintained as you would notice how the bushes and plants are well trimmed.
Inside the dome is an altar right in the center of the structure. People were walking around, taking photos and I wanted to wait until the visitors moved along as I wanted to get a good shot. I noticed that there was light coming from above the dome. You could see that white light right now on the left part of the floor.
The dome is surrounded by a pool of water which gives it a peaceful ambiance. There are added benches around the dome just in case you would like to spend more time inside.
The light inside comes from an opening in the center of the dome and at 12 noon the light hits the altar below.
It was around 10:30 during this time and the light is just behind the altar. I would have wanted to wait and see how it would look like at 12:00 am, but we didn't have much time to spare.
A very moving message for the resting soldiers is engraved on the altar. The altar is to commemorate the surrender of the soldiers on the island after an intense bombing for 72 days. It was around 12:00 noon when the surrender took place.
Beyond the dome will lead you the final highlight of the memorial area. From the distance, you could already see the steel structure that resembles a flame.
On the way to the steel flame, highlights of the campaign are engraved on marble tablets on the side. Each has their own chapter and stories in this war. I believe that other countries involved in this struggle has their own memorial sites in tribute for the loss in each battle.
At the end of that walk, a 40 feet steel structure called, "The Eternal Flame of Freedom" was made by the American sculptor Aristides Demetrios. Made from Corten steel which is a type of steel alloy that does not require to be painted. The steel is resistant to corrosion and after several years of exposure to the elements, it give out a rust like appearance. Solar energy lights up the structure at night which will make sure that it always shines bright. The structure symbolizes freedom that will burn continuously for the next generations to come.
The message on the Eternal Flame of Freedom is a message to the world. Every person has the right to live in freedom, free from oppression and fear.
Thanks again for joining me in this walk that highlights the freedom that we enjoy. A memorial that reminds us that what we have today has been paid my lives of brave men who refused to do nothing against evil.
I hope you enjoyed the tour and please to do join me again next time for the final part of our Corregidor Island tour. Until then may you have a great week ahead.
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Posted from my blog with SteemPress : http://watersnake101.steemblogs.club/2019/08/25/the-eternal-flame-of-freedom-beautiful-sunday/
Isn’t history fascinating and interesting for everyone loved this and the statue is almost alive
I was not always fascinated with history. Going out on trips and photography made me interested. It compelled me to found out the story behind each historic subject.
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They did spent some effort building up the outside nicely.
Indeed they did a great job and I'm not sure about the cost. Some say it was around 3 million dollars just for the statue area. Thanks for the support @ace108
Oh no, I've been missing so many, better catch up with my reading!
Hey @joelai how's it going? It's going to be the last part of the tour this coming Sunday. I'm very glad that you liked the series and maybe if ever you visit the Philippines you could drop by the island. Would be great for you to experience it personally.
Hiya, @lizanomadsoul here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made into our Top 3 in Daily Travel Digest #608.
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Thank you, Thank you for the support of my post about freedom. Something that a lot of people sometimes take for granted. Cheers!
Your series about this historical place touched my heart. Thank you for this bit of history. As the years go by much of what happened here is no longer known, and that is why it must be commemorated and not forgotten.
Hey @melinda010100 how are things going? This whole island has been a great experience for all of us. I am glad I was able to share it with you guys. I guess the best way keep the memory alive is to pass it down to the younger generations. Make them learn to value the freedom that we enjoy today. Start of the week is really hard lol. Bearkid has flying colors on her preliminary exams. She studies really hard but we do not pressure her. Sometimes I think that she studies too hard and I often ask her to rest.
The great part about being retired is that every day is a Saturday!
I know that your children will do well with everything they take on. You have given them a solid foundation. It will be fun to hear about about all of Bearkid's successes. I know she will have many!
What a beautiful and moving memorial sight! Especially the sculpture of the comrades in arms - you can feel the emotions emulating from it!
Thanks for sharing always good to remember and not take our freedom for granted!
Oh yea I was speechless when I first saw it. It took me a moment before I could move on. I was imagining the hardship that the soldiers endured during that time.
Lovely memorial and dome to remember the fallen in battles, what a pity man still wage wars never learning from history.
Dome structure is very impressive with light falling inside through the roof, pity you were unable to wait for midday to capture the photo you had hoped capturing @watersnake101
I really wish we could have stayed longer but we still had a long way back to go. Can't afford to get left behind by the ship lol.
The structure of the building with the central dome is incredibly beautiful @watersnake101. And being surrounded by water would encourage people to reflect on the history behind the memorial.
The shapes of The Eternal Flame of Freedom remind me of wings that will soar to the greatest of heights when all of mankind can live in freedom and harmony. ♥︎♥︎⚖️♥︎♥︎
That I wish too that one day everyone can be truly free with no more wars.
Such a memorable place, and a very nice walk you had. Thanks for sharing.
It was a bit hot that day but it was a pleasant walk.