F O R E W O R D

In May 1947, the Republic Memorial Cemetery was established as a fitting tribute to the gallant men who brought honor to the country and died for the sake of freedom and independence.

Our fallen heroes shall always be remembered. Their country shall continue to honor them for even if they can no longer participate in the routine of daily life, what they had left and died for shall continuously be enjoyed by the very people they have sworn to serve.

LNMB is a national shrine, a cemetery, a memorial, a reminder of the lessons of war and a place to express reverence to our fallen heroes. The AFP pays tribute to their commendable and heroic deeds by memorializing them at the LNMB.

HEROES MEMORIAL GATE

A structure shaped in the form of a large concrete tripod with three access ways and three pillars surrounding a symbolic glass sculpture. The use of triads in the design reflects, among others, the following: the country’s main island groupings – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao; Vanguards of the state – Army, Navy and Air Force; and the heroic attributes – Virtue, Fraternity and Gallantry. The circles in the design signify the cycle of life, perpetuity and continuity of strength. The doves in flight over fire symbolize our heroes’ sacrifice for our country’s renewal.
Inaugurated by Pres Fidel Ramos on 26 June 1998

BLACK STONE WALLS

Erected on opposite sides of the main entrance road leading to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and just near the Heroes Memorial Gate are two 12-foot high black stone walls which bear the words: "I do not know the dignity of his birth, but I do know the glory of his death". These words were quotations of General Douglas MacArthur made during his sentimental journey to the Philippines in 1961.

TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER (TUKS)

The main structure is constructed at the center of the cemetery. This is the site where wreath laying ceremonies are held when Philippine government officials and foreign dignitaries visit the LNMB. The following inscription is found on the tomb: “Here lies a Filipino soldier whose name is known only to God”. Behind the tomb are three marble pillars representing the three main island groups in the Philippines – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao

VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL PYLON

This memorial pylon is proudly dedicated to the members of the Philippine contingents and Philippine Civic Action groups to Vietnam (PHILCON-V and PHILCAG-V). These dedicated men and women served as medical, dental, engineering construction, community and psychological workers, and security complement who offered tremendous sacrifices as they alleviated human sufferings in war-ravaged Vietnam from 1964-1971. Inscribed on the memorial pylon are the words: “To build and not to destroy, to bring the Vietnamese people happiness and not sorrow, to develop goodwill and not hatred.”

THE KOREAN MEMORIAL PYLON

The Korean Memorial Pylon is a towering monument honoring the 112 Filipino officers and men who were members of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) who perished during the Korean war.

PHILIPPINE WORLD WAR II GUERILLA PYLON

This monument was erected by the Veterans Federation of the Philippines as a testimony to the indomitable spirit and bravery of the Filipino guerillas of World War II who refused to be cowed into submission and carried on the fight for freedom against an enemy with vastly superior arms and under almost insurmountable odds. Their hardship and sufferings, as well as their defeats and victories, are enshrined in this memorial.

DEFENDERS OF BATAAN & CORREGIDOR MEMORIAL

The Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Memorial was inaugurated on 05 April 1977 by Sec Renato S De Villa in memory of the defenders of Bataan and Corregidor during World War II. This monument is dedicated as an eternal acknowledgment of their valor and sacrifice in defense of our beloved land, the Philippines.