December is a merry month because of Christmas. But, if we look back at our nation’s history, we recall a time when the Yuletide holidays were less festive.
It was December when World War II began in Baguio City. These moments are depicted in a photo mural exhibit at the Baguio branch of Veterans Bank, detailing historical events involving the City of Pines during the war.
Baguio and Benguet were sites of significant events, like the surrender of Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita after his surrender in Kiangan, Ifugao on Sept. 2, l945, which marked the end of World War II in the Philippines.
70th anniversary
The event coincides with the 70th anniversary of the invasion of Japanese forces here on Dec. 8, l941, when key locations around the archipelago were bombed. The mural features never-before-seen wartime images of Camp John Hay, Session Road and the Baguio Cathedral.
It is the exhibit’s intention to bring important historical events to the consciousness of tourists and the Filipino youth, and share our forefathers’ sacrifices during the war.