The Travel Professor
Join me on a journey across the broad spectrum of interesting travel topics. We’ll discuss destinations domestic and abroad, some familiar and some off the beaten path. We take a look at suppliers like cruise lines, air carriers and tour operators and find their bargains and special offerings. Got questions? Email thetravelprofessor@gmail.com.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

"I shall return" quotes General Douglas MacArthur

It was March 11, 1942. General Douglas MacArthur climbed aboard a gun ship in the Philippines under cover of darkness, and ran a Japanese blockade. Speaking to the press in Adelaide, Australia, MacArthur told reporters, "I came through and I shall return."

Logistical problems had left MacArthur without reinforcements. President Roosevelt, fearing MacArthur would be captured or killed, ordered him to leave. On April 9, some 10,000 American troops surrendered to the Japanese.

MacArthur took command at Allied headquarters in Melbourne. Organizing a series of air and amphibious operations he turned the tide of the war against the Japanese. On
October 20, 1944, he waded ashore on Leyte Island to tell the waiting press "I have returned."

The New Orleans based National World War 2 Museum is an excellent venue. It features a permanent War in the Pacific gallery and The Malcolm S. Forbes Theater features two alternating films focusing on the D-Day invasions at Normandy and in the Pacific.