NORFOLK – Gen. Douglas MacArthur in 1963 wrote, “The future and the very existence of the United States is tied up in Asia and its island outposts,” citing a lesson from his father, Arthur MacArthur.
Both men served in Asia during critical decades in its history, and helped shape events that have left a living legacy today. The Memorial will explore the impact of both men on Asia in its next special exhibit, Legacies: The MacArthurs in the Far East, which will open April 19 at 10 a.m. and will be on display through early 2021, MacArthur Memorial officials said.
The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Legacies covers the Philippine–American War era, the period between the World Wars, and World War II through the Korean War.
Stories included are Arthur MacArthur’s command in the Philippines, Arthur’s and Douglas’ Far East tour (1905-1906), and the impact on Douglas’ career.
The exhibit also discusses Douglas MacArthur’s service in the Far East, including his recurring commands in the Philippines in the 1920s and 1930s; defeat at Bataan and Corregidor in 1942 and return to the Philippines 1944-45; his leadership of the occupation and re-building of Japan; and his direction of the early campaigns of the Korean War, according to a news release.
Legacies is co-sponsored by the City of Norfolk, the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation, the Rotary Club of Norfolk, and Bank of America.
Legacies is part of a multi-year effort by the MacArthur Memorial to highlight the importance of the Pacific and the MacArthur legacy in that region. While the exhibit is open, related public programs will explore some of its subjects further. Those programs will be announced separately.
The City of Norfolk operates the Memorial in close partnership with the nonprofit General Douglas MacArthur Foundation. It averages over 40,000 visitors per year, and is open free of charge.
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