Manila American Cemetery and Memorial
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial
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- THOMASFROMDAMASCUSDamascus, Syria3,741 contributionsOne strong suggestion: don’t rush your visit to the American Cemetery and Memorial allow ...The American Cemetery and Memorial is a must see visitor the site while in the greater Manila area. It is the largest American Cemetery in the world located outside of the US and it is over 152 acres in size and was first established in 1948. It is located on a large plateau with beautiful and breathtaking views around the city of Manila. This is a WW II Cemetery which contained over 17,000 war dead. There are over 36,000 names on the “Walls of the Missing” which is a circular monument which contain war missing whose bodies were never found. Also, on the inner limestone walls are 25 mosaic maps showing the many campaigns in the Southwest Pacific and China, Burma and the Indian Theaters of action. There is also a small Chapel between the two curved Walls of the Missing monument which is worth a visit inside to see and admire the stained glass windows. We first visited the American Cemetery on an earlier trip to Manila in 2011 and the Memorial was not built at that time. The Memorial is a new building and has two floors which explain in great detail the many battles within the Western Pacific during WW II. It also contains maps; models and graphic photos taken during WW II. It also has a very, very informative short movie on the many Theaters of Action within the Western Pacific during WW II. The Memorial is a must visit while seeing the other magnificent memorials located within this famous cemetery. One strong suggestion: don’t rush your visit to the American Cemetery and Memorial allow ample time to explore all parts of this outstanding and stunning location.Visited December 2022Written December 20, 2022
- Jen LBethesda, Maryland105 contributionsPeace and calmThe most peaceful place I have found in Manila. Been coming here since my high school days and it has stayed the same. Quiet, peaceful and calm. It gives me solitude and I can feel the fresher air. It is also quite a sight with a very small chapel inside.Visited March 2023Traveled with friendsWritten May 22, 2023
- Momto2cuteboysOregon City, Oregon30 contributionsBeautiful, stunning, movingAbsolutely stunning. Be sure you have time to tour the whole cemetery. It’s beautiful, peaceful, well kept, moving. My uncle’s father is buried here and I found his headstone. Was able to FaceTime with him and help him have some closure. ❤️❤️. Wonderful place to honor our fallen soldiers.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 24, 2023
- marc7 contributionsHistorical, Contemplative, and ImmaculateIt was surprising that not too many people we met knew about this cemetery located in the heart of BCG. Truly a memorable and reflective experience and visit. Seeing all the men and women heroes buried in the heart of Manila. The site was extremely well kept. You walk through the gates, and immediately, within the hustle and bustle of BCG, you feel the solemnity of the place. A must for any "patriotic" visitor!Visited July 2023Written August 1, 2023
- Nomad592946Sacramento, California21 contributionsAmazing FacilityI actually visited in November of 2018. It happened to be Veteran’s Day when had the honor of visiting the WW2 American Cemetery in Manila. The staff were great. They flowered my Grandfather’s gravesite and brought me there. I also attended the Veteran’s Day service. I would highly recommend a visit to learn more about the tremendous sacrifice that was made in the South Pacific.Visited November 2022Traveled soloWritten August 6, 2023
- Luz LiNew Taipei, Taiwan19 contributionsAll Soldiers Never Die, They Just Fade AwaywAs for a story lover, this is the place you would like to visit. To feel its breathtaking and beautiful view located in the most primary landscape in the Taguig. This is also one of largest American memorial cemetery outside the USAVisited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 12, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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lmueller
Houston, TX7 contributions
Jul 2022
This is a very moving experience. It truly honors the sacrifices of so many men that died during this horrific war. It overlooks the city and water on a beautiful hillside. The names are all listed. The crosses across the vast expanse evoke the emotion of what indeed happened. All should experience this place.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen L
Bethesda, MD105 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
The most peaceful place I have found in Manila. Been coming here since my high school days and it has stayed the same. Quiet, peaceful and calm. It gives me solitude and I can feel the fresher air. It is also quite a sight with a very small chapel inside.
Written May 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marc
7 contributions
Jul 2023
It was surprising that not too many people we met knew about this cemetery located in the heart of BCG. Truly a memorable and reflective experience and visit. Seeing all the men and women heroes buried in the heart of Manila. The site was extremely well kept. You walk through the gates, and immediately, within the hustle and bustle of BCG, you feel the solemnity of the place. A must for any "patriotic" visitor!
Written August 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luz Li
New Taipei, Taiwan19 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
As for a story lover, this is the place you would like to visit. To feel its breathtaking and beautiful view located in the most primary landscape in the Taguig. This is also one of largest American memorial cemetery outside the USA
Written August 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas C
Nagoya, Japan100 contributions
Feb 2020
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial is magnificently designed and maintained. It was a great honor to be able to visit this place and pay my respects to the brave men (and women) who are buried here. I was also very impressed with the exhibits in the visitor center. With powerful, searing images, accompanied by clear, hard-hitting descriptions, the exhibits showed the true extent of the horror that was caused, in the Philippines, by World War Two. This is the greatest World War Two monument I have seen.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Momto2cuteboys
Oregon City, OR30 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Absolutely stunning. Be sure you have time to tour the whole cemetery. It’s beautiful, peaceful, well kept, moving. My uncle’s father is buried here and I found his headstone. Was able to FaceTime with him and help him have some closure. ❤️❤️. Wonderful place to honor our fallen soldiers.
Written June 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tommy T
Shanghai345 contributions
Jul 2016 • Solo
I've tried to gather my thoughts about the Manila American Military Cemetery sited on what was once an American military base, Fort McKinley now called Fort Bonifacio. I find it difficult to communicate the consciousness. It made an impression, moved me more than I would have expected. And I had expected it to.
In the first place, it is exceptionally beautiful.
Many American military cemeteries, viz., Golden Gate National Cemetery (San Bruno), the Punchbowl in Honolulu, generally have flat tombstones whereas here (and at Normandy) they are upright Latin crosses (16,933) interspersed with Stars of David (164). Arlington National Cemetery has rounded upright gravestones in the newer sections, religious affiliation indicated on the face but not by the shape of the stone (such is the case for my Dad at Arlington).
I find the upright stone more elegiac, more beautiful, more symbolic perhaps of the arrayed warriors they memorialize. Greek stelae also have this affect on me. You need a heart of stone not to be moved by such stones.
The cemetery plan consists of concentric circles with marbled tombstones emanating outward from a central ring of walls containing names of the missing. These are accompanied by four rooms with ten foot high chronological, mosaic mural maps depicting key campaigns in the Pacific. I found them informative. And overwhelming.
Wandering these halls, I was staggered by the numberless names flowing like waterfalls down the 25' high walls. They just went on. And on...And on. Not realizing the scale, I had told my parked driver that I would return in 10-15 minutes. But I was nearly an hour in with more halls before than behind me. I felt a tug to return but a stronger sense to complete the walk prevailed. Quickening my pace, I suddenly felt disloyal -- glancing seemed cursory, speeding indecent. Can't give an hour to those who gave their lives? Then an ungrateful, unworthy heir of their sacrifice.
I felt a twinge of sadness when I reflected that I was the only person there. So these names go unseen, unvisited most days?
Below one wall lay a lone floral arrangement for a missing airman, pilot "Lt. George Freed, Bombing Squadron 17, Your family loves you. You are not forgotten". I was moved. But then struck. For it then felt as though the tens of thousands of others missing in action, missing flowers, were, unlike Freed...truly forgotten. That forlorn thought haunted, hit, hammered hard, hall after empty hall.
Tropical trees, large mahoganies umbrella luxuriant green lawns with more than 17,000 graves, 28 World War 2 Medal of Honor recipients, 20 cases of two brothers buried side-by-side, 517 brave and loyal Filipino scouts.
Philippine school children often visit, learning a shared history. Largest of all overseas American military cemeteries, there are over 36,000 names of missing-in-action incised inside two memorial hemi-cycles of large walls I noted.
There is a chapel at the 12 o'clock of the innermost circle, flanked by two walkways. Outside and above the entrance a bas relief sculpture of St. George slays the dragon, above this are the ideals for which they fought, Liberty, Justice, Country and Columbia holding a child which symbolizes the hopeful future. Inside features an altar over which suspends a blue glass mosaic of an angelic figure scattering flowers which could be a floral memorial or perhaps the scattered & sacrificed flower of youth? The nation's sons, some of them beautiful. I've seen their terminal photographs, lolling in surf, half-buried in sand on landing beaches strewn with half-sunk landing craft, e.g., Buna Beach, New Guinea (FDR himself authorized release of the photo in Life Magazine to waken a complacent America to the real costs of this terrible war).
It was 3 pm. The bell tower tolled. The chimes ended with a metallic sounding carillon which played "How Great Thou Art." Too much. Too much. It was just too much. For the carillon sounds like a children's toy bell and passing bells are associated with funerals. Anthem for doomed youth.
As I say, at least on my trip, the cemetery was quiet and unvisited. And I thought: these poor boys must keep themselves company. *They could have none better.*
As an American, I wish to thank the kind, decent and wonderful people here who tend the cemetery so lovingly. It only reinforces my kindly feeling toward the proverbially lovely and wonderful people of the Philippines.
In the first place, it is exceptionally beautiful.
Many American military cemeteries, viz., Golden Gate National Cemetery (San Bruno), the Punchbowl in Honolulu, generally have flat tombstones whereas here (and at Normandy) they are upright Latin crosses (16,933) interspersed with Stars of David (164). Arlington National Cemetery has rounded upright gravestones in the newer sections, religious affiliation indicated on the face but not by the shape of the stone (such is the case for my Dad at Arlington).
I find the upright stone more elegiac, more beautiful, more symbolic perhaps of the arrayed warriors they memorialize. Greek stelae also have this affect on me. You need a heart of stone not to be moved by such stones.
The cemetery plan consists of concentric circles with marbled tombstones emanating outward from a central ring of walls containing names of the missing. These are accompanied by four rooms with ten foot high chronological, mosaic mural maps depicting key campaigns in the Pacific. I found them informative. And overwhelming.
Wandering these halls, I was staggered by the numberless names flowing like waterfalls down the 25' high walls. They just went on. And on...And on. Not realizing the scale, I had told my parked driver that I would return in 10-15 minutes. But I was nearly an hour in with more halls before than behind me. I felt a tug to return but a stronger sense to complete the walk prevailed. Quickening my pace, I suddenly felt disloyal -- glancing seemed cursory, speeding indecent. Can't give an hour to those who gave their lives? Then an ungrateful, unworthy heir of their sacrifice.
I felt a twinge of sadness when I reflected that I was the only person there. So these names go unseen, unvisited most days?
Below one wall lay a lone floral arrangement for a missing airman, pilot "Lt. George Freed, Bombing Squadron 17, Your family loves you. You are not forgotten". I was moved. But then struck. For it then felt as though the tens of thousands of others missing in action, missing flowers, were, unlike Freed...truly forgotten. That forlorn thought haunted, hit, hammered hard, hall after empty hall.
Tropical trees, large mahoganies umbrella luxuriant green lawns with more than 17,000 graves, 28 World War 2 Medal of Honor recipients, 20 cases of two brothers buried side-by-side, 517 brave and loyal Filipino scouts.
Philippine school children often visit, learning a shared history. Largest of all overseas American military cemeteries, there are over 36,000 names of missing-in-action incised inside two memorial hemi-cycles of large walls I noted.
There is a chapel at the 12 o'clock of the innermost circle, flanked by two walkways. Outside and above the entrance a bas relief sculpture of St. George slays the dragon, above this are the ideals for which they fought, Liberty, Justice, Country and Columbia holding a child which symbolizes the hopeful future. Inside features an altar over which suspends a blue glass mosaic of an angelic figure scattering flowers which could be a floral memorial or perhaps the scattered & sacrificed flower of youth? The nation's sons, some of them beautiful. I've seen their terminal photographs, lolling in surf, half-buried in sand on landing beaches strewn with half-sunk landing craft, e.g., Buna Beach, New Guinea (FDR himself authorized release of the photo in Life Magazine to waken a complacent America to the real costs of this terrible war).
It was 3 pm. The bell tower tolled. The chimes ended with a metallic sounding carillon which played "How Great Thou Art." Too much. Too much. It was just too much. For the carillon sounds like a children's toy bell and passing bells are associated with funerals. Anthem for doomed youth.
As I say, at least on my trip, the cemetery was quiet and unvisited. And I thought: these poor boys must keep themselves company. *They could have none better.*
As an American, I wish to thank the kind, decent and wonderful people here who tend the cemetery so lovingly. It only reinforces my kindly feeling toward the proverbially lovely and wonderful people of the Philippines.
Written July 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andyla
Liverpool, UK24 contributions
this cemetery is about 150 acres of ground . It is part of the . In 1948 the philippine gov allowed the usa to establish a war cemetery.there are buried around 17,200 american and philippine forces that gave their lives in the heroic defence of the philippines and other islands in the south/west pacific .I myself am an english man who was in the armed forces for some time .My main sites for ww2 burials has been france and burma/india thailand etc .But never so much as this cemetery it brings it all home what these people lost their lives for .This cemetery also has battle maps on display of all major battles/offences of wwii.Its a place to go to pay respects ,contemplate and just to take in the end result of the futility of war also a couple of miles away theres the philippine cemetery where old armed forces personnel are buried also ex presidents and government officials and also a memorial to those who lost their lives at bataan and corrigador also at fort santiago theres a memorial for 500 people who where murdered by the japanese these include american and philippines who where starved to death .All these places are worth visiting and viewing just to pay respect for the people alive and dead who fought for the freedom of their country
Written July 16, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Freddy
Los Angeles, CA27 contributions
Oct 2011 • Couples
I'm an American who lost my great-uncle, grandmother's brother, on Saipan, July 1944. When we were in the Philippines, I was insistent in visiting the American Cemetery so I can pay my respects to the many American and Filipino service members. It felt like another world going thru the gates and entering the cemetery. It was so beautiful, peaceful, quiet, and calm. I walked around the memorial columns, thinking of the Uncle I never met but gave his life at only 22 years old. When he was shot and wounded, he lingered in pain for a few days and was probably thinking of his family thousands of miles away. He succumbed to his wounds days later. He was buried at sea, somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Since he has no grave to visit, visiting the American Cemetery was the next best thing.
Written March 25, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheBlum
Escazu, Costa Rica417 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
I had no way of anticipating the enormous emotional response I would have to walking through the American Cemetery in Manila. Countless thousands of grave markers and tributes to the fallen.
I could not help but cry today at what I was walking through and what it represents. Thousands of grave markers as a reminder of the devastating loss of life that wars bring.
I cried today for all the little boys of the world like me that had to grow up without fathers because of World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam, Somalia, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Iraq and everywhere else where people in powerful positions use their citizens or subjects like pawns in a chess game for power, for oil, for land or for treasure.
Why can’t we all be more like the Swiss that say “NO THANK YOU” to war and military conflicts. Admittedly there are times when we are attacked and must defend ourselves, but I think that is the line in the sane where we need to stop.
Let’s put an end to some of our country’s little boys having to grow up without fathers because of war.
I could not help but cry today at what I was walking through and what it represents. Thousands of grave markers as a reminder of the devastating loss of life that wars bring.
I cried today for all the little boys of the world like me that had to grow up without fathers because of World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam, Somalia, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Iraq and everywhere else where people in powerful positions use their citizens or subjects like pawns in a chess game for power, for oil, for land or for treasure.
Why can’t we all be more like the Swiss that say “NO THANK YOU” to war and military conflicts. Admittedly there are times when we are attacked and must defend ourselves, but I think that is the line in the sane where we need to stop.
Let’s put an end to some of our country’s little boys having to grow up without fathers because of war.
Written July 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cavanaughtim
Shanghai, China
Just in Manilla overnight. Flight to Ho Chi Minh City as 12:30 p.m. the next day. Google says it's 30 minutes from the airport. I thought I'd try to be there when the doors open at 9 a.m. My uncle is memorialized there. I simply want to get a photo next to his name. Is it realistic for me to do that and catch my 12:30 to Saigon if I'm there when the doors open at 9?
Also, does every soldier whose name is listed on the memorial also have a head stone? My uncle was MIA. His name is in the center memorial ... just wondered if those men have a nameless headstone also, or maybe not?
travelincouple027
Aberdeen, WA71 contributions
I would be interested to see what you did in your situation. Personally, I wouldn't do it, I've been to this graveyard about 10 times.. Traffic can be a problem then there is the long walk in to the center area where there are thousands of names. Its well organized so if you go to the area of his state, and military branch of service then it will narrow your search There are approximately 17,700 people buried here so its difficult to find this person if you don't know what you are doing. I would contact the guy that is over seeing this graveyard, I met him in February 2018, he is very helpful and knowledgeable.
Aastha28
Kolkata (Calcutta), India1 contribution
Hi. I'm planning to visit Manila, cebu and bohol in mid August. Is it fine. As I hav heard its lots of rains and even typhoons. Do tours gets cancelled due to rain. I'm travelling wid an infant so wanna make sure. Plz help.
Filippijntje
Sydney, Australia19 contributions
Hi! I did not know it was mandatory to have a guided tour. We used to just walk in. Do you need to book ahead of time? Many thanks!
Tina
MartinDublin08
Cork, Ireland21 contributions
I just walked in. Wasn't interested in a guided tour. No real need if you have any idea of your history.
m b
Tokyo, Japan9 contributions
Hi, I'm planning to visit this Cemetery tonight.
Can I go there even night time? (8pm)
Can I go there even it's raining?
Thank you in advance.
Tommy T
Shanghai345 contributions
1) Can I go there at night time?
The Cemetery hours are:
Sunday 9AM–5PM
Monday 9AM–5PM
Tuesday 9AM–5PM
Wednesday 9AM–5PM
Thursday 9AM–5PM
Friday 9AM–5PM
Saturday 9AM–5PM
2) Does rain prevent a visit?
Except for the small chapel, the cemetery lacks covering. Visiting in the rain may be unpleasant without an umbrella and appropriate clothing.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Manila American Cemetery and Memorial
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Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Information
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