The Obelisk at Capas National Shrine

For history buffs, this landmark will be interesting. As you exit Sta. Juliana of Capas, Tarlac, you'll pass Capas National Shrine which was constructed to honor the Filipino and American soldiers who died during the infamous Death March which occurred after Bataan fell on the hands of the Japanese. In this exact spot, the soldiers met their death and on the same area of the shrine stands the 70-meter Obelisk. This towering structure has 3 sections representing the Americans, Filipinos and Japanese.

Along the marble walls that enclose the Obelisk, are the names of casualties from the American and Filipino troops.

The 54-hectare memorial was inaugurated by then President Cory Aquino in 1991 as a reminder of the heroism of Filipino and American troops that bravely fought the Japanese troops which invaded the Philippines during World War 2.

Capas National Shrine was the former Capas Concentration Camp where 40,000 Filipino soldiers and 8,000 American soldiers who were captured during the war were imprisoned. It was originally established as Camp O'Donell, but became known as Capas Concentration Camp after the historic March of Death happened.