President Osmena WWII Proclamation

[seacloud1936]

Thank You for Honoring History and preserving the Memories of our WWII Fathers! I recently found a folded Letter in my Father's Journal from WWII. He passed in 2004, was a CBM on LST-615 in the USN and often shared his WWII memories with me as a young boy. One of those stories was his Service in the Philippines when Gen. MacArthur returned. Below are the Powerful words written 68 years ago by Pres. Sergio Osmena. It was obviously written by the President to rally his People to rise up and fight in support of Gen. MacArthur's return to Liberate their Nation. This original and signed Proclamation has great personal value to me. Anyone that may have more information on the Historical value, additional insight, etc., please share. The Naval Museum, WWII Carrier, USS Lexington in Corpus Christi, TX has expressed interest in obtaining the 'Proclamation' as a Museum display.

"-Office of the President of the Philippines-
Proclamation

My Beloved People:

The American Forces of liberation under the brilliant leadership of General MacArthur have destroyed the enemy army defending Leyte, established control of Mindoro, and now stand firmly on the soil of Luzon within striking distance of our Capital City. This is the answer to our prayers of many long months. The decisive hour in the Battle of the Philippines has arrived.

General MacArthur has called upon us to rally behind him and I know that every patriot, guerrilla and civilian, will heed that call so that the enemy may feel the full strength of our outraged people. Rally to his forces with your utmost so that his burden of battle may be lightened. Rise to noble heights as a liberty-loving people. Acquit yourselves with courage and honor worthy of the sacred memory of our departed heroes.

God defend our cause! God strengthen our arms! God speed the day of our deliverance!"

-Signed by 'Sergio Osmena'-President of the Philippines...

Thank You for any feedback!
[e-mail]

[dred747]

Hi there. Pres. Osmena stayed at my grandfather's house in Tacloban City during liberation. I'm just not sure if he made this proclamation in the house. I used to recall my father telling me that he played with Pres. Osmena's grandson while waiting out the libration of Manila.

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[seacloud1936]

dred747, I appreciate you sharing this piece of History...

I was able to attach a photo copy of the 'Original' Proclamation!

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[frank]

Thank you for sharing.
Was your father Coast Guard or USN?

Have you decided to send the letter to the Museum?

Regards.

[seacloud1936]

My Father was a Navy Chief (CBM) and served primarily in the Asia/Pacific Campaign (3 Stars) and was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon (2 Stars) and Philippine Presidential Unit Citation etc.,,

My hope is to gain more knowledge of the History surrounding this Proclamation and/or perhaps someone with details about how the Proclamation was made available to the Nation. Were these letters hand signed? Obviously no copy machines back then. Has anybody seen another one or know of someone close to this Great Man's family (Pres. Osmena) that may shed some more light on its History?

I believe this Document should be preserved in a Museum and I hope to donate it after compiling more facts surrounding the history. Several WWII Museums are available in Texas and I'm even considering Washington, DC..

It's personal Value is priceless to me since it connects me to my Father. I'm continuing the search for the absolute Best Museum to display the Proclamation... thanks for your interest.