|
MACARTHUR INSPECTS PROGRESS OF THE
LANDING AT LEYTE 1944
I Have Returned
Go here for more about
Douglas MacArthur.
Go here for more about
MacArthur's I Have Returned Speech.
Go here for more about the
Bataan Death March.
It follows the full text transcript of
Douglas MacArthur's I Have Returned speech, delivered
via radio message from a portable radio set at Leyte, the
Philippines - October 20, 1944.
 |
This is the Voice
of Freedom, |
General MacArthur
speaking.
People of the
Philippines: I have returned.
By the grace of
Almighty God our forces stand again on
Philippine soil - soil consecrated in the blood
of our two peoples. We have come, dedicated and
committed to the task of destroying every
vestige of enemy control over your daily lives,
and of restoring, upon a foundation of
indestructible strength, the liberties of your
people.
At my side is your President, Sergio Osmena,
worthy successor of that great patriot, Manuel
Quezon, with members of his cabinet. The seat of
your government is now therefore firmly
re-established on Philippine soil.
The hour of your redemption is here. Your
patriots have demonstrated an unswerving and
resolute devotion to the principles of freedom
that challenges the best that is written on the
pages of human history.
I now call upon
your supreme effort that the enemy may know from
the temper of an aroused and outraged people
within that he has a force there to contend with
no less violent than is the force committed from
without.
Rally to me. Let the indomitable spirit of
Bataan and Corregidor lead on. As the lines of
battle roll forward to bring you within the zone
of operations, rise and strike!
For future
generations of your sons and daughters, strike!
In the name of your sacred dead, strike!
Let no
heart be faint. Let every arm be steeled. The
guidance of Divine God points the way. Follow in
His name to the Holy Grail of righteous victory!
More History
|
