[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE FILIPINO WORLD WAR II VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 29, 1996

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House 
Concurrent Resolution 191 which recognizes Philippine war veterans and 
the contributions and sacrifices they made to and for United States 
efforts during World War II.
  The Philippines and the United States enjoyed a close relationship 
for nearly a century. This relationship was most clearly evident during 
the battle in the Pacific in World War II. The Philippine Independence 
Act of 1934 set a 10-year timetable for the eventual independence of 
the Philippines, but was delayed another 2 years because of the 
Japanese occupation. Under the act, effective in 1946, the United 
States President retained the right to call into the service of the 
United States Armed Forces all military forces organized by the 
Commonwealth of the Philippines. Due to its vital importance to the 
defense of the United States, President Roosevelt invoked an Executive 
order on July 26, 1941, bringing Philippine soldiers into the service 
of the United States Armed forces under the command of General Douglas 
MacArthur. Under this Executive order, Philippine soldiers who served 
in regular components of the United States Armed Forces and the Old 
Scouts were considered members of the United States forces.
  In 1946 Congress passed the Rescissions Act which limited benefits 
these Philippine soldiers could receive, reneging on commit ments to 
these servicemen. Despite their sacrifices and exemplary service, these 
Philippine soldiers were subjected to lesser status previously assured 
them by the United States. Although these veterans faced the same 
hardships and risks as their American counterparts, the passage of the 
1946 Recessions Act stripped these veterans for recognition they 
rightfully deserved.
  When President Roosevelt called on the Philippine military to join 
forces with the United States, they did so with honor and resilience. 
Without hesitation they courageously mounted a remarkable defense of 
the islands, particularly a Bataan and Corregidor. Their perseverance 
effectively resisted the enemy and ultimately led to the retaking of 
the Philippines. This heroic service prevented the enemy from 
conquering the Pacific and allowed United States troops, under the 
command of General Douglas MacArthur, to return to the Philippines. 
Their valor was instrumental in United States preparations for the 
final assault on Japan.
  Today we have the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions and 
sacrifices of these Philippine veterans who bravely fought along side 
American forces in the battle in the Pacific Theater. House Concurrent 
Resolution 191 recognizes and honors these men who gave their lives for 
Freedom. We need to go further to grant full equity to these Philippine 
veterans by providing them all the benefits due United States veterans. 
Congress took the first step in 1990 to address this inequity by 
permitting Philippine veterans of World War II to apply for 
naturalization and to receive full benefits after May 1, 1991. I urge 
my colleagues to join in recognizing the contributions of these 
Philippine soldiers and vote yes on this resolution.