In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, Bataan Legacy Historical Society, Memorare Manila 1945, the Philippine Consulate General of San Francisco & the San Francisco Public Library present World War II in the Philippines: The Legacy of Two Nations, An Exhibition & Conference. The four-month exhibition will open on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 10:30 AM at the San Francisco Main Public Library (Third Floor) located at 100 Larkin St., San Francisco, CA. The Conference will take place on Saturday, October 24th, 2015 at 10AM at the Koret Auditorium of the San Francisco Main Public Library. Both events are open to the public. Admissions is Free but Registration through Eventbrite (Bataan Legacy) is recommended for the Conference.
The Exhibition from September 12, 2015 to January 9, 2016 will depict the story of World War II in the Philippines, a seminal piece of history that has been mostly forgotten. The exhibition will present a compelling story of the sacrifices of Filipino, American and Allied soldiers and civilians. One million civilians perished in the Philippines during WWII and its capital Manila became the second most devastated city in the world after Warsaw. It will depict the Bataan Death March, one of the most horrific events during WWII. Keynote speaker will be Vice Admiral Charles W. Ray, U.S. Coast Guard Commander of the Pacific Area and Defense Force West.
The Conference on October 24th will feature speakers from different perspectives on the war. WWII veterans Chief Johnny Johnson of the USS San Francisco, the most decorated carrier during WWII and Maj. General Richard Keith of 511th Parachute Infantry will be among the speakers. Veterans and survivors of the war will also act as panelists. State superintendents Tom Torlakson of the California Department of Education will give the opening keynote speech while Congressman Mike Honda will give recognition to the WWII veterans.
For further information, please visit bataanlegacy.org