[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 149 (Thursday, November 10, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S12708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE FILIPINO WORLD WAR II VETERANS

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now 
proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 307, which was submitted early 
today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will please report the resolution by 
title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (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.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution 
be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider 
be laid upon the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 307) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 307

       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.

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