Capas National Shrine

Capas National Shrine
jopetsy from Metro Manila, Philippines · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Capas National Shrine
Caption	The central obelisk at the shrine.
Location	Capas, Tarlac, Philippines
Type	War memorial
Material	Concrete, marble
Height	70 meters (obelisk)
Beginning date	1991
Completion date	2003
Dedication date	April 9, 2003

Capas National Shrine is a revered war memorial and historical park located in the municipality of Capas in the province of Tarlac, Philippines. It commemorates the suffering and sacrifice of the tens of thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who were prisoners of war following the Fall of Bataan in 1942. The shrine marks the site of the former Camp O'Donnell, a notorious Japanese Imperial Army prisoner-of-war camp, and serves as the final resting place for many who perished during the Bataan Death March and its brutal aftermath. It stands as a solemn testament to the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit, managed today by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office under the Department of National Defense.

History

The site's history is inextricably linked to the Pacific War and the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. Following the surrender of United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) troops at Bataan on April 9, 1942, approximately 76,000 starving and sick prisoners were force-marched in what became known as the Bataan Death March. Survivors of that ordeal were interned at the former United States Army facility, Camp O'Donnell, which the Imperial Japanese Army converted into a prison camp. Conditions were horrific, with thousands dying from disease, starvation, and execution; estimates suggest over 30,000 Filipinos and 1,600 Americans died there in the first few months. After the war, the site was reclaimed and later designated as a national shrine. The formal dedication of the completed memorial complex occurred on April 9, 2003, coinciding with the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) national holiday.

Description and Features

The expansive, park-like shrine complex is centered on a towering 70-meter black marble obelisk, symbolizing the nation's eternal gratitude. Surrounding the obelisk is the "Wall of Heroes," a circular colonnade inscribed with the names of the known Filipino and American soldiers who endured the march and captivity. A separate, poignant memorial, the "Death March Memorial," features life-sized bronze statues depicting the agonizing trek. The grounds also include the preserved original camp gate, a memorial pavilion, and the "Capas Death March Monument." The landscape is meticulously maintained, with rows of trees representing each of the provinces from which the Filipino soldiers hailed, creating a serene and contemplative environment for reflection.

Bataan Death March and Memorial

The shrine serves as the northern terminus of the Bataan Death March, whose starting point is marked by the Km. 0 marker in Mariveles, Bataan. The memorial aspects of the site are dedicated to preserving the memory of that war crime and the subsequent suffering at Camp O'Donnell. Artifacts and historical markers throughout the grounds detail the events of 1942, the brutal treatment by the Japanese Imperial Army, and the staggering death toll. It stands in solemn dialogue with other related memorials like the Dambana ng Kagitingan on Mount Samat and the Clark Veterans Cemetery in Pampanga, forming a network of sites that honor the shared sacrifice during World War II.

Administration and Access

The shrine is administered by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) of the Department of National Defense. It is open to the public daily, with a nominal entrance fee, and includes a visitor center providing historical context. The site is accessible via the MacArthur Highway and is approximately a two-hour drive from Metro Manila. It is located near major landmarks such as the New Clark City sports complex and the Capas Rail Station. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority has been involved in the development of the surrounding area, ensuring the shrine's preservation amidst regional growth.

Commemorative Events

The shrine is the focal point for several major annual commemorations, most notably the Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, which features wreath-laying ceremonies attended by the President of the Philippines, foreign dignitaries, PVAO officials, and surviving veterans and their families. The Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force often participate in these events. Other significant observances include Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, which honor the American soldiers who died, often with participation from the United States Embassy in Manila and Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations. These events reinforce the shrine's role in ongoing historical education and national remembrance.

Category:Monuments and memorials in the Philippines Category:Military memorials and cemeteries Category:World War II memorials in the Philippines Category:Tourist attractions in Tarlac