Leyte Landing Day, observed in Tacloban, Philippines, every October 20, commemorates the beginning of the liberation of the Philippines during World War II. This special non-working holiday marks the anniversary of the American forces' landing on Leyte Island in 1944, which was a crucial step in the campaign to retake the Philippines from Japanese occupation. The invasion began after preliminary operations on October 17, culminating in landings at 10 AM on October 20, following heavy naval gunfire. The event is celebrated with memorial ceremonies held at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, alongside other special events and activities that honor the sacrifices made during the Battle of Leyte. The day serves as a reminder of the significant losses suffered by the Japanese forces and the strategic importance of Leyte in the Pacific theater.