180. Commemorating May 1, 1898 – Adm. George Dewey's Triumph at the Battle of Manila Bay.

May 1 is popularly known today as Labor Day, but in 1898 it was commemorated as the victory at the Battle of Manila Bay. Admiral George Dewey defeated the Spanish fleet and was celebrated as the “Hero of Manila.” Such was his popularity that, had he run for president in 1901, many believed he could have become the next president of the United States. Before it became Roxas Boulevard, the famous stretch was originally named Dewey Boulevard in his honor, until it was changed in the 1960s.

I’ve been collecting these pieces for nearly 15 years, but it was during the pandemic that I was able to acquire many more - thanks to the lull and the constant searching online to build up the collection. I simply want to share them now, as a way of commemorating Dewey’s remarkable feat at the Battle of Manila Bay.