American Memorial Cemetery

The American Cemetery occupies an extensive site within the former American military base at Fort Bonifacio. More than 17,000 American servicemen are buried here, along with over 500 Filipinos and other allies who served with US forces during the Second World War, making it the largest American overseas military cemetery in the world.

Rows of identical white marble crosses radiate out from the central memorial, most of them engraved with the names of the dead. The unnamed crosses commemorate the unidentified soldiers who died in battle alongside their comrades. You can discover among the headstones the names of 29 men who received America’s highest military honour for their bravery.

The memorial building contains a chapel where visitors may pay their respects to the war dead. Above the chapel door is a stone relief of St George and the dragon, flanked by representations of Liberty, Justice and Country, while the interior is dominated by a moving mosaic depicting the Madonna holding a bouquet of flowers. Four rooms in the memorial are given over to mosaic maps chronicling key American campaigns in the Pacific, China, India and Burma.

The memorial is flanked by two curved walkways providing thought-provoking views of the neat rows of headstones disappearing into the far distance. As you walk, pause to read the engraved tablets on the Wall of Missing, which offers a timely reminder of over 36,000 soldiers missing in action. The belltower also chimes its own tribute, ringing out at regular intervals across the peaceful landscaped parkland.

The American Cemetery is around 10 kilometres south of Manila city centre and is best reached by taxi or car, with free on-site parking. Staff at the visitor centre will be happy to answer your questions and provide more information. The cemetery is open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and admission is free, although all visitors are asked to bring some form of personal identification for security purposes.