By Nimfa U. Rueda
World War II veterans stand next to the memorial cross during the 73rd Araw ng Kagitingan rites at Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan (Photo courtesy of WILLY PEREZ)
LOS ANGELES— Legislators Thursday introduced a bill seeking to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who fought during World War II.
“Filipino veterans fought bravely alongside American forces during World War II, and our recognition of their service and sacrifice is long overdue,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI).
Gabbard and Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) held a press conference announcing the bill’s introduction.
Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba also spoke at the press conference on behalf of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project.
About 260,000 Filipinos fought for the United States during the war and were promised equal treatment as American veterans after the war.
But in 1946, the US Congress enacted the Rescission Act that took away full recognition of the Filipinos and stripped them of their benefits, leaving bitterness in the former colony and decades of campaigning to change US policy.
In 2009, Congress approved a stimulus package that included one-time payments of $15,000 to Filipino veterans in the United States and $9,000 to those living in the Philippines.
However, community advocates said thousands of veterans had their claims denied, usually because US authorities did not accept records from the Philippines, which were the former fighters’ sole means to prove their service.
“The Filipino veterans of World War II have faced many challenges in their fight for compensation, family reunification, and verification of wartime service,” said Sen. Hirono. “Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal would go a long way toward making sure that their story is never forgotten.”
The cosponsors of the bill include Gabbard, Hirono, Senators Brian Schatz, Harry Reid, Dean Heller and Tim Kaine; Congressmen Joe Heck, Juan Vargas, Mark Takai and Mike Thompson and Congresswoman Jackie Speier.
Also attending the press conference were two Fil-Am veterans, Purple Heart recipient Maj. Jesse Baltazar and retired Senior Chief Petty Officer Remigio Cabarcar.
Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said the announcement was very timely as the country celebrates its Independence Day on June 12 and prepares to observe Philippines-American Friendship Day on the 4th of July.
“Our friendship has deep historical roots, which include fighting side by side in wars for liberation,” Cuisia said. “I am pleased to see this friendship continue to grow and hope that our veterans receive the recognition they deserve,.”
The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to those “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement.”
The award is the US Congress’ highest expression of appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. It is also one of the highest civilian awards in the United States, along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.