Melbourne service on 24 October to mark 82nd anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf
The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne is organising a free wreath-laying service at the Shrine of Remembrance on Saturday 24 October to mark the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, with a Navy Band Melbourne bugler taking part.
The 82nd anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf will be commemorated at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance on Saturday, 24 October, The Philippine Times reported on 19 October. The service begins at 11 a.m. and admission is free.
The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne is organising the commemoration, which will include a wreath-laying ceremony. The Royal Australian Navy has confirmed that a bugler from the Navy Band Melbourne will take part in the service.
The Shrine's event page lists the wreath laying in the Sanctuary from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and says the venue is wheelchair accessible. It says the service will commemorate the service and sacrifice of members of the armed forces of Australia, the Philippines, the United States and other Allies to liberate the Philippines in 1944.
The Battle of Leyte Gulf was fought from 23 to 26 October 1944 in waters near the Philippine islands of Leyte, Samar and Luzon, between combined American and Australian forces and the Imperial Japanese Navy. A dedicated tree and commemorative plaque at the Shrine recognise those involved in the battle.
The Philippine Times noted that this year's commemoration falls as Australia and the Philippines mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations. It said the ceremony will give Filipino-Australians and the wider community an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made during the war.
Key facts
- A free wreath-laying service for the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf will be held at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance on Saturday, 24 October 2026, from 11 a.m.
- The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne is organising the commemoration, and a Navy Band Melbourne bugler will take part.
- The Battle of Leyte Gulf was fought from 23 to 26 October 1944 between combined American and Australian forces and the Imperial Japanese Navy.
- The commemoration falls as Australia and the Philippines mark 80 years of diplomatic relations.
Official sources
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