Some Gave All

Woke up early for a boat ride to Corregidor Island, which was a significant site for WWII. 1 1/4 hour boat ride was uneventful but I think Ricky really enjoyed it. He and I went outside where he could get a good view, but it was fairly rough so we did catch some spray. Steph stayed inside due to the Dramamine she took. The boat had a really good video presentation on the history of the island as well as a good summary of the Pacific campaign during WWII, particularly in regards to the Philippines. The WWII theme went really well with the armed guards that were onboard. I didn't ask why but presume it's for pirates in the area.

At any rate the video really set the stage for what we were to see on the island. Basically, Corregidor is a remnant of what was once the top of a volcano at the opening to Manila Bay. This island, as well as 3 others, were significant because they provided a very effective guard to the entrance of the bay. Basically, whoever controlled the bay controlled the Philippines. To summarize the WWII campaign: 1) Americans control Corregidor and the Philippines; 2) Japanese take Philippines and Corregidor; 3) Americans take back Corregidor and the Philippines. Game over. Actually there was more to it than that of course but you get the picture.

Once on the island the guests were divided up on 8 different tour buses (open sided). There was a group of Japanese tourists which were all put on one bus. I presumed it was because they needed a Japanese interpreter; however, our tour guide told us that they always separate the Japanese as they have their own perspective on the war, which obviously differs from ours. We consider our American and Filipino troops as heroes, and they feel the same about their soldiers. At any rate our tour guide was great and provided lots of details (I like history so I thought he was great; not so sure about Ricky). Ricky sat in my lap the whole time we were riding, although we did get to walk through many of the sites.

The island was very picturesque with many of the original gun batteries, barracks, tunnels, and other buildings present, albeit with many more holes than the original construction. According to our guide, Corregidor had more ordinance dropped on it per square foot than any other location in the war. We observed quite a few bomb craters. The island contained what is called the Mile Long Barricks, which were actually only about 1/3 mile long ("only") but due to the 3 story construction it was said that soldiers would run a mile inside by running all 3 stories; hence the name. It had an inside pool which is still present. The island also contains the Manilta Tunnel which housed a 1000 bed hospital. We walked through the tunnel which I think Ricky really enjoyed. There is also a war museum and war memorial, which has an eternal flame and domed altar. The dome has a hole in the top through which the sun perfectly strikes the round altar underneath precisely at noon only on May 6, the date on which the U.S. surrendered Corregidor in 1942. Really cool to think about.

Bottom line is that as we walked through these ruins it felt like walking through sacred ground. To think of the brave men and women that lived and died there in order to ensure the freedom of our countries is really inspiring to me; however, I wonder how others feel about this ultimate sacrifice. I'm sure there are a variety of responses; some that are changed forever, some that acknowledge the sacrifice but don't let it impact them, while there are others that just don't care. I see many similarities in how people respond to Christ's sacrifice. Some don't care, some know what He did but don't let it impact them, while others are changed forever. And of course there are those that have never heard. How have you responded to the One that gave all for all?

Enough history. I'm going to work out then we'll be going to get something to eat. Tomorrow is shopping at the mall and hanging out at the pool. Thanks again for the prayers.

T