THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 20, 1994 TAG: 9410180144
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 05 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LARRY W. BROWN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
Hampton Roads residents are getting the chance to witness history.
Starting today, Norfolk kicks off its 50th anniversary celebration of Gen. Douglas MacArthur's return to the Philippines in a three-day commemoration called ``I Shall Return . . . America Remembers.''
On Oct. 20, 1944, MacArthur made his historic return to the Philippines with the most powerful naval force ever assembled at the time or since. MacArthur's speech at the time included the famous line: ``People of the Philippines, I have returned.''
Where better, local officials figured, than Norfolk to stage the nation's largest commemoration of the event? Norfolk is home to the MacArthur Memorial, the final resting place of the renowned leader.
The festivities begin today at 11:30 with a commemoration in MacArthur Square with the U.S. Continental Army Band. Tonight's events include a concert with the U.S. Atlantic Fleet Band at Nauticus. In addition to today's events, this weekend's events include a Filipino music, dance, costume and food festival, and a historical symposium at MacArthur Theatre.
A highlight of the anniversary is a re-enactment of MacArthur's landing at Leyte Beach. The War Museum of Newport News is providing genuine uniforms for the show. The festival and re-enactment take place on Saturday at Ocean View Park and will conclude the celebration.
In recognition of the anniversary, the Norfolk Postal Service is offering a commemorative cancellation at Ocean View Park. The Postal Service offers special cancellations to commemorate local events.
The cancellations, which feature the MacArthur Memorial seal, also can be obtained by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelop to: MacArthur Station, P.O. Box 2898, Norfolk, VA 23501-9610. by CNB