Obama signs bill; Filipino WWII veterans awarded Congressional Gold Medal

Filipino WWII veterans have been fighting for recognition and benefits from the U.S. government for decades.

By Louis Chan
ASAM NEWS

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA  signed a bill Dec. 14 into law that awards the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino and Filipino/American World War II war veterans.

The bill sponsored by Rep Tulsi Gabbard and Senator Mazie Hirono, both Democrats from Hawaii, honors the contributions of 260,000 Filipino veterans. Only 18,000 of them remain alive, according to Gabbard.

“These loyal and courageous soldiers, suffered, fought, with many giving up their lives alongside their American counterparts throughout the war,” said Gabbard.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the nation’s highest civilian honor from Congress.

“After enduring 75 years of injustice and humiliation, our Filipino World War II veterans regained their honor and dignity when Congress passed the Congressional Gold Medal Award — a historic bill President Obama signed into law today,” said retired Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba.

RELATED:

• Senate passes bill to honor WWII Filipino vets
• Shameful anniversary for U.S. Congress

The bill, in part, is in response to past acts by the U.S. which denied promised U.S. benefits to these veterans. Although some of those veterans have in recent years recovered those benefits, others continue the struggle.

Both Gabbard and Hirono have bills pending to rectify that.

“The Filipino veterans of World War II overcame many challenges in their fight for compensation, family reunification, and verification of wartime service,” said Hirono.

President Barack Obama has signed a measure into law that honors Filipino and Filipino-American World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal.

“By signing our bill into law, President Obama recognized these veterans’ courage and perseverance, both during the war and in the decades of battles for benefits that followed,” said U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono in a news release.

“This day is only possible thanks to the commitment of veterans, families and advocates in Hawaii and across the country who worked tirelessly to see this effort through Congress. While this recognition is long-overdue, the Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting tribute to the sacrifice that these veterans made for our country,” she said.

The House and Senate passed their respective bills unanimously. The Senate version was sponsored by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Dean Heller (R-NV), Harry Reid (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Brian Schatz (D-HI). 

The House version (H.R.2737) was sponsored by Representatives Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Joseph Heck (R-NV), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Mark Takai (D-HI), and Jackie Speier (D-CA). Both bills were introduced on 11 June 2015.

In the news release, retired Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, who heads the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, said, “After enduring 75 years of injustice and humiliation, our Filipino World War II veterans regained their honor and dignity when Congress passed the Congressional Gold Medal Award — a historic bill President Obama signed into law today.

“With deep gratitude, our nation has now come to fully recognize the service and sacrifice of our brave heroes who fought valiantly under the American flag,” he added.

(Views From the Edge contributed to this report.)

Filipino WWII vets running out of time to be recognized

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard  of Hawaii urges passage of HR2737.

THIS IS a critical time for Filipino veterans of World War II in their quest for recognition. If 
they get the Congressional Gold Medal for their service, the act that would grant them that honor would have to be passed before Congress breaks for the holidays.

"Time is of the essence for Congress to pass this legislation and honor these courageous men with the long overdue recognition they deserve,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii.


“Too long have our veterans been unrewarded for their valiant service to this country, said Johanna Puno Hester, national president of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance. "This is such an important piece of legislation that would send waves to the Filipino and Filipino American communities on the significant role we’ve played (and continue to play) in American history.”

If the Filipino Veterans of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 is not approved before a new Congress convenes in January, the whole legislative process would have to start over again. In the meantime, more of the elderly veterans will pass away before they receive that honor.

“Congressional Gold Medal bills require two-thirds of the House, or at least 290 members, to sign on to the bill before it can move forward," said Gabbard." I’m happy to report ... that we’ve exceeded this with 309 co-sponsors, with colleagues representing both parties and nearly every state and territory in our nation supporting legislation to recognize these men for their service and sacrifice.” 

Last week, U.S. House of Representative Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy announced that the House would vote on the Filipino Veterans of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 – a vote that could happen as early as Nov. 29.

RELATED: 

• Senate passes bill to honor WWII Filipino vets
• Obama opens the door to Filipino veterans

The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA) urges members of the House to pass the bill and recognize our veterans who thus far been unrecognized and denied rights and privileges for their service.

APALA Executive Director Gregory A. Cendana added: “We’re calling all hands on deck. The Senate already passed the bill earlier this year, and we need to continue to pressure our representatives in the House to ensure the bill goes to President Obama. It’s time to put our foot on the gas, not step on the brakes.”

The Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 would award Filipino veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor by Congress.

Senate bill S1555, which was already passed by the Senate, and House bill HR2737 will impact veterans who fought and were assigned in the Philippine Scouts, Philippine Commonwealth Army, Philippine Constabulary, New Philippine Scouts, Recognized Guerrillas, First Filipino Infantry Regiment, 2nd Filipino Infantry Battalion (Separate), and First Reconnaissance Battalion. The bills also include US Army officers (Caucasians) who commanded in the units. 

Over 260,000 Filipinos fought to defend the U.S. in World War II. "We think there are about 16,000 to 17,000 still alive from some 260,000 who fought back in WWII," said retired Gen. Antoino Taguba, who has lobbied Congress on the bill's behalf.

To support the campaign:

• Call members of the House Leadership to make sure our bill passes. Find contact information here: http://www.filvetrep.org/take-action/
• Share our social media outreach on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with your network and use the hashtag #FilVets and #FilVetREP

“Despite their critical role in the Pacific, Filipino World War II veterans have never been recognized by Congress for their service," said Tulsi, who is one of the sponsors of the House bill. "We’ve waited far too long to recognize these heroes alongside units like the Tuskeegee Airmen and Hawaii’s own 442nd/100th Infantry Battalion with the Congressional Gold Medal."

Philadelphia hosts Filipino/American empowerment conference.

FILIPINOS from across the United States, Canada and across the Pacific will converge in Philadelphia for the National Federation of Filipino American Associations' 12th NaFFAA Empowerment Conference.

Rep. Bobby Scott

The red, white and blue balloons from the Democratic National Convention are still floating over the City of Brotherly Love and thousands of Filipinos have begun preparing for a convention of their own.

Underlining the trans-Pacific link that ties all Filipinos together, the conclave will start with a U.S. congressman and culminate with the Philippines' newly elected vice president.

Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Virginia, the first Filipino/American elected to the U.S. Congress, will speak to the Aug. 5 opening plenary session that has a theme of "Envisioning the Future."

News junkies may recognize him from his introduction of Democratic Vice President nominee Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia.

Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo will close out the 3-day gathering on Aug. 6 with the induction of NaFFAA officers. Most likely one of the topics she will touch upon will be how Filipino/Americans can help their families in the Philippines.

The new officers and board of directors will attend to business on Aug. 7 to end the conference at the Valley Forge Casino Resort.

Vice President Leni Robredo

The NaFFAA delegates will focus on the development of key strategies to address the political, social, health, education and economic concerns of the Filipino/American community.

More than a dozen workshops will be conducted during the conference, focusing mainly on capacity building, civic engagement, professional development, and cultural identity/narratives. These workshops are designed to be interactive, which include Fil Am vote workshop, how to access valuable resources, jobs to name a few.

Issues critical to the Filipino American community will be taken up at plenary sessions. They include immigration reform, health care, voter participation, electoral politics, and business development.

To address those issues, a wide-ranging group of experts and activists from Gen. Antonio Taguba to businesswoman and philantropist Loida Nicolas Lewis to​ Ronnie Del Carmen of Pixar will participate.

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Senate passes bill to honor Filipino WWII veterans

The 1st and 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments trained in Eskrima martial art techniques using machetes.

THE U.S. SENATE voted unanimously Wednesday (July 13) to award Congressional Gold Medals to the Filipino and Filipino/American soldiers who fought in World War II. 

Senate Bill 1555 was pushed through by author Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (Hawaii) with 71 co-signers.

“Today, the Senate provided recognition to Filipino World War II veterans for their brave and courageous service to the United States,” said Sen. Hirono after the passage of the bill.

“These veterans were instrumental to an Allied victory in the Pacific theater, but their fight didn’t end with the war. For decades, they have continued to fight for the benefits they have earned and to be reunited with their families in the United States. I thank my Senate colleagues for joining me in recognizing these veterans’ service and sacrifice with the Congressional Gold Medal, one of our nation’s highest civilian honors.”

The House version,  House Resolution 2737, now faces the House of Representatives for approval. It is being championed by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii with 172 co-sponsors on both sides of the aisle.

"We are now hopeful for the bill’s passage in the U.S. House,” said Ben Acohido, Service Officer, VFW Post 1572 1st Filipino Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army, Veterans of Foreign Wars-Hawaii Chapter. 

       RELATED: Details announced for Filipino WWII vets reuniting with families
       A shameful anniversary for the U.S. Congress
       Memorial Day - Another try to pass the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act

Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret.)

When President Franklin Roosevelt called upon the Filipinos to join the U.S. military in fighting the invading Japanese Imperial forces, 260,000 men signed up in the Philippines.

They were joined by thousands more Filipinos who signed up in the United States to form the 1st and 2nd Filipino Regiments, both of which saw action in the Pacific before joining in the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese.

“Filipino World War II veterans served their country with distinct honor and uncommon valor and we owe them a profound debt of gratitude," said Major General (Retired) Antonio Taguba, Chair of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project. Taguba lobbied in behalf of the Filipino veterans to fulfill the promises of U.S. citizenship and military benefits made to them by Roosevelt. Last week, he was interviewed on MSNBC about the bill. See video, below.

RELATED: Gen. Antonio Taguba - The forgotten victim of 9/11

“Filipino World War II veterans served and sacrificed alongside American forces and played an important role in the Allied victory,” said Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV). “I have spent my career fighting to ensure they receive the recognition and benefits they deserve. While we can never fully repay the debt we owe these brave soldiers, Congress can pay tribute to their courage by awarding them with the Congressional Gold Medal. Granting Filipino veterans this honor will be yet another step taken in correcting past wrongs and celebrating their heroic actions and the patriotism of their community.”

“Our nation’s Filipino veterans made tremendous sacrifices during World War II and played a big part in our victory. As such, they should be recognized for their service and awarded the Congressional Gold Medal,” said Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV). “Nevada is home to ‘The Mighty Five’ Filipino veterans – a group of heroes I have had the pleasure of getting to know over the years. While some are no longer with us, I am proud this legislation will finally ensure they receive proper recognition for their valiant acts of military service.”

Of the 66 nationalities that fought on the side of the Allies during WWII, only the Filipinos were denied those benefits. He estimates that there are 16,000 surviving veterans, whose ranks diminish every day.

Sen. Hirono has successfully led the fight to reunite these veterans who were granted U.S. citizenship in the 1990s in recognition of their service, with their children who were not, and successfully prevented the Department of Veterans Affairs from taking funds from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund to pay for other projects.

"I am proud that with the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Filipino World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, the veterans are significantly closer on their life long goal of national recognition of sacrifice and selfless service during World War II from the U.S. Congress," said Taguba. "They have waited 75 years for this proud and historic milestone in American history." 

Connie Chung, Bruce Lee, Kristi Yamaguchi, Tony Taguba inducted into Asian Hall of Fame

Bruce Lee, martial arts master

By Louis Chan
Reprinted from AsAm News

THE ASIAN HALL OF FAME inducted a stellar class of four new honorees this month in Seattle.

News anchor Connie Chung, martial arts legend Bruce Lee, Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and General Antonio Taguba received the honor from the Robert Chinn Foundation before a crowd of several hundred.

“I’ve always considered myself Chinese - not Chinese American, as I’m not a hyphenated person,” said Chung during her induction speech.

Connie Chung

Chung became just the second women to anchor a network newscast when she co-anchored the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather in 1993. Her career in broadcast journalism spanned 30 years during which she worked with NBC, CBS, ABC and CNN as well as the CBS station in Los Angeles.

“In 1969, there were so few women in journalism, the biggest barrier was being a woman and secondary was being Chinese. It was a male dominated profession. I would think and conduct myself as a White male. Today I stand before you no longer thinking I’m a White male. I stand before you thrilled and honored to be just a Chinese girl,” she declared.

Perhaps no one is responsible for popularizing martial arts in the United States more than Bruce Lee. He not only taught Jeet Kune Do, a form of martial arts in the United States, he wowed the world with his martial artistry in five feature length films. His most famous was Enter the Dragon from Warner Brothers which was released six days after his death in 1973. His wife Linda Caldwell accepted the award on behalf of her husband.

Kristi Yamaguchi

“One of his goals was to show the world the beauty of China’s culture and martial arts,” she said. “He raised the esteem of Chinese men and women. He had passion, energy and belief in self and fulfilled his purpose. He influenced people to be confident in their goal setting, and be motivated ot take action in their lives.”

Kristi Yamaguchi won the Olympic Gold Medal for the United States in figure skating in 1992 in Albertville, France. She is also a children’s author, philanthropist and producer of her own fashion line, Tsu Ya.

“I am Asian American at my core,” said Yamaguchi. Sometimes I don’t feel Asian enough. Sometimes I didn’t feel Caucasian enough. The Asian work ethic is a connecting link between Asian groups. We are taught by parents and grandparents who enabled us to succeed. They ingrained in us not to complain, to respect mentors.”

Retired General Antonio Taguba is only the second U.S. Army General from the Philippines. He served in the military for 35 years beginning in 1972. He authored the report on abuse of prisoners in the Abu Ghraib Prison in 2004 and later in 2008 accused the Bush administration of committing war crimes.

Gen. Antonio Taguba

“Being truly successful means doing good for the community and settling a standard of community giving, said Taguba who has been an advocate for the AARP and a big proponent of mentoring young leaders. “As a Pacific Isander, I felt on top of the world for being honored. Maybe my story may have possibly had an impact on young or old. I felt honored and respected to share our story to raise future leaders.”

The induction of Chung, Yamaguchi, Lee and Taguba brings to 22 the number of people inducted into the hall since 2004.