[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 307 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]








109th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 307

  To recognize and honor the Filipino World War II veterans for their 
 defense of democratic ideals and their important contribution to the 
                        outcome of World War II.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           November 10, 2005

   Mr. Allen (for himself, Mr. Inouye, Ms. Mikulski, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. 
 Warner, and Mr. Akaka) submitted the following resolution; which was 
                        considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  To recognize and honor the Filipino World War II veterans for their 
 defense of democratic ideals and their important contribution to the 
                        outcome of World War II.

Whereas in 1898, the Philippines Archipelago was acquired by the United States 
        of America, became an organized United States territory in 1902, and, in 
        preparation for her independence, a self-governing commonwealth in 1935;
Whereas the people of the Philippines and of the United States developed strong 
        ties throughout the decades-long democratic transition of the island, 
        compelling the United States to assume the responsibilities of defending 
        the archipelago and protecting the people of the Philippines;
Whereas on July 26, 1941, anticipating the aggression of Japanese invasion 
        forces in the Asia Pacific region, as well as the imminent conflict 
        between the United States and Japan, President Franklin D. Roosevelt 
        issued a military order, calling the organized military forces of the 
        Government of Commonwealth of the Philippines into armed service under 
        the command of United States Army officers led by General Douglas 
        MacArthur;
Whereas on December 7, 1941, the Japanese Government began a devastating 4-year 
        war with the United States with their stealth bombing attacks of Pearl 
        Harbor, Hawaii, and Clark Air Field, Philippines, and led to the loss of 
        tens of thousands of American and Filipino soldiers and countless 
        civilian casualties;
Whereas on February 20, 1946, President Harry Truman stated, ``Philippine Army 
        veterans are nationals of the United States and will continue in that 
        status until July 4, 1946. They fought, as American nationals, under the 
        American flag, and under the direction of our military leaders. They 
        fought with gallantry and courage under most difficult conditions. I 
        consider it a moral obligation of the United States to look after the 
        welfare of the Philippine Army veterans.'';
Whereas on October 17, 1996, President William J. Clinton issued a proclamation 
        on the anniversary of the 1944 return of United States forces under 
        General MacArthur to liberate the Philippines and said, ``I urge all 
        Americans to recall the courage, sacrifice, and loyalty of Filipino 
        Veterans of World War II and honor them for their contribution to our 
        freedom.'';
Whereas on July 26, 2001, President George W. Bush, in his greetings to the 
        Filipino WWII veterans said, ``More than 120,000 Filipinos fought with 
        unwavering loyalty and great gallantry under the command of General 
        Douglas MacArthur. The combined United States-Philippine forces 
        distinguished themselves by their valor and heroism in defense of 
        freedom and democracy. Thousands of Filipino soldiers gave their lives 
        in the battles of Bataan and Corregidor. These soldiers won for the 
        United States the precious time needed to disrupt the enemy's plan for 
        conquest in the Pacific. During the three long years following these 
        battles, the Filipino people valiantly resisted a brutal Japanese 
        occupation with an indomitable spirit and steadfast loyalty to 
        America.''; and
Whereas the contributions of the Filipino people, and the sacrifices of their 
        soldiers in World War II, have not been fully recognized: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate reaffirms, recognizes, and honors the 
Filipino World War II veterans for their defense of American democracy 
and their important contribution to the victorious outcome of World War 
II.
                                 <all>