[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 19, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H6674-H6678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING AND HONORING FILIPINO WORLD WAR II VETERANS
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 622) 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, as
amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 622
Whereas in 1898, the Philippines Archipelago was acquired
by the United States, became an organized United States
territory in 1902, and, in preparation for independence,
became 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
the 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 four-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 World War II 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 House of Representatives recognizes and
honors Filipino World War II veterans for their important
contributions to the victorious outcome of World War II,
including their valiant fight for the liberation of their
homeland and their defense of democratic ideals.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from California (Mr.
Lantos) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida.
General Leave
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks
and to include extraneous material on the resolution under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Florida?
There was no objection.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
I rise in support of House Resolution 622, which recognizes and
honors Filipino World War II veterans for their important contributions
to the victorious outcome of World War II.
This resolution notes that the prior history of the Philippines as a
United States territory, then as a self-governing commonwealth, during
which time the Filipino Armed Forces were called into service under the
command of General Douglas MacArthur in July 1941. Those servicemen
fought with gallantry and courage, and thousands gave their lives
resisting Japanese aggression and occupation. House Resolution 622
honors those Filipino veterans for their valiant fight, for the
liberation of their homeland, and for their defense of democratic
ideals.
I commend the cochair of the Philippine Caucus, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Issa), for introducing this long overdue resolution. It
was moved forward with the strong support of the chairman of the House
International Relations Committee, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr.
Hyde).
My colleagues may not be aware that Chairman Hyde was a combat
veteran of the Philippine campaign in World War II, and he piloted a
landing craft
[[Page H6675]]
in the January 1945 landing that marked the beginning of the liberation
of Luzon.
Madam Speaker, I submit for printing in the Congressional Record a
copy of an article from the September 10, 2006, edition of Philippine
Panorama, the leading weekly news magazine in the Philippines
[From the Philippine Panorama, Sept. 10, 2006]
Memories of Lingayen
(By Beth Day Romulo)
Henry Hyde, chairman of the US House International
Relations Committee, led a group of four congressmen,
including Melvin Watt of North Carolina, Dana Rohrabacher of
California, Jeff Flake of Arizona and Eni Faleomavaega of
Samoa, on a visit to the Philippines (August 11th to 15th) to
assess security in this country, discuss trade relations and,
in the case of the 82-year old chairman, he hoped to visit
with fellow veterans of World War Two, and see Lingayen Gulf
again.
As a college freshman at Georgetown University, Hyde
enlisted in the Navy in 1942. Why the Navy? He had never been
to sea but liked the idea of ``a nice clean ship'' in
comparison to life in a trench. ``It didn't occur to me that
ships sink,'' he recalled wryly in an interview at the Makati
Shangri-la Hotel where the group were staying. After an
officers training program at Duke University, he attended a
90-day midshipmen's school at Notre Dame and won his
commission as an Ensign in October 1944. Told that he would
go to commanders school at Harvard, he bought new blue
uniforms as befit the occasion which he never wore, since his
orders were suddenly changed and he was sent to sea in the
Pacific theater, as part of the operation to liberate the
Philippines.
Having never been at sea before, he became deathly seasick
on his first night out of San Francisco, recovered on the
third day and was fortunately never seasick again despite the
fact that the Liberty ship took 30 days to reach Hollandia,
New Guinea, zigzagging to miss Japanese submarines.
Joining the flotilla of supply ships offshore of the
Philippines in January 1945, young Ensign Hyde was assigned
command of an amphibious Landing Craft Tank (LCT), a flat-
bottomed vessel with a ramp that could tow supplies to shore
and unload on beaches. He had 12 crew members, all
considerably older than he, so ``I grew a full beard.'' The
big ships couldn't come ashore, so it was the duty of the LCT
to load from the big ships (``at night and we couldn't use
lights'') everything from trucks (LCT could carry five at a
time) weapons, ammunition, supplies, and occasionally
personnel. By this time, General MacArthur had made his
historic landing at Leyte and by March 1945, the Americans
controlled Manila and Subic Bay and the Japanese army had
withdrawn to the North.
After two or three days at sea, water washed over the craft
and filled the pontoons. The radio man was frantically
calling ``we are sinking'' to the towing vessel and signaling
with the blinker. Hyde recalls with wry humor that he was
running around with a mattress ``trying to hold back the
South China Sea.'' Eventually, the tow ship got the message
and cut loose the lines which dragged down the LCT, and they
limped into Lingayen.
Sent on a special mission to Aparri on the northern tip of
Luzon, they arrived at a beach which had no grading. ``It was
like a wall.'' They couldn't move onto shore, so came in as
close as they could. The deserted beach suddenly swarmed with
people who came out from the trees and bushes and waded out
to unload their cargo. They were guerillas in dire need of
supplies.
While not engaging in combat, the LCT was often under fire
from enemy aircraft who dropped bombs near them ``but we were
too busy to notice.''
At another time, Hyde's LCT was given a special mission to
salvage the supplies from a Liberty Ship which had foundered
on rocks and was lying on its side. They were sent, he found
later, because a typhoon was coming and military brass didn't
want to lose all the cargo. A destroyer escort took the LCT
out to the grounded ship, then disappeared. They tied up to
the starboard, started loading and the typhoon hit before
they were finished. ``This taught me what real terror
means.'' The LCT was banging helplessly against the ship. The
wind blew off the conning tower and Hyde was convinced he
would lose both his craft and his men. They donned their
lifejackets, fully expecting to be washed overboard. ``I'll
never forget it,'' Hyde recalled. ``The sky was green. The
sea was green. And our complexions were green.''
Eventually, they were able to cut the lines free from the
ship, and Ensign Hyde guided his craft through the swelling
seas. in the direction he thought he would lead to Subic Bay.
He was in luck. After all-night winds and heavy swells,
dawn came. The storm was gone. And they could see Subic
Bay. They unloaded their cargo. The LCT was repaired, and
they headed back to the grounded ship for a second load.
Getting out all the supplies and transporting them to.
Subic Bay took a week in all.
Lighter moments came when the administrative ship in the
flotilla distributed mail from home, and when they had shore
leave. After Manila was liberated, there was ``a great
officers club'' where we sat around, sipped beer, and told
football stories. Sometimes, they played basketball with
college students.
Hyde remembers spending his 21st birthday walking alone on
the beach at Lingayen, wondering if he would ever see home
again. Other young officers, with wives and children awaiting
them, were allowed to' leave first. He was finally sent home
in August 1946. When the ship was nearing San Francisco, he
rose at 3 a.m. and went out on deck to wait for the sight of
the lights on the bridge of San Francisco loom through the
mist. ``It was the happiest moment of my life.''
When he had first sailed on the Liberty ship for the
Philippines, a submarine was just coming in from the South
China Sea, and the men coming and going waved at one another.
He wondered then what they had experienced. Now, he knew.
Congressman Hyde was able to greet a large number of
Philippine veterans at a wreath-laying ceremony at the
American Cemetery in Ft. Bonifacio, some of whom had called
upon him in his home constancy. He was also awarded the
Philippine Liberation Medal by AFP Major General Horacio
Tolentino in a ceremony on August 12th in recognition of his
service during the Liberation of the Philippines.
Discovering the difficulties of getting to Lingayen by
land, he flew over it instead, which inspired these memories.
The article profiles Chairman Hyde's service in the Philippines and
describes, among many others things, his interaction with Filipino
servicemen who were waging a guerilla campaign against the Imperial
Japanese Army at that time.
I am grateful to have this opportunity today to express our
appreciation to those veterans, both Filipino and Americans, who are
with us. This resolution is a fitting tribute to their heroism and
sacrifice and deserves our unanimous support.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this
resolution.
Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.
I first would like to commend my California colleague Darrell Issa
for introducing this important measure. I also want to thank the
chairman of our committee Henry Hyde for letting this resolution move
to the floor so expeditiously.
Madam Speaker, the measure before the House honors the contributions
of Filipino Americans during the Second World War. You might be
surprised to learn that I represent the largest concentration of
Filipinos outside of Manila. Among my constituents are tens of
thousands of Filipino American families, so it is with great pleasure
that I cosponsor this legislation and serve as the Democratic manager
of this resolution on the floor today.
Filipino Americans have made an enormous contribution to the
cultural, political and economic life of my congressional district,
particularly in the community of Daly City. Outside of Honolulu, Daly
City is the largest city in the United States with a majority Asian
population, and most of this population is Filipino American.
Their contributions to our Nation are not a recent phenomenon. More
than 120,000 Filipinos fought under the command of General Douglas
MacArthur during World War II. Filipino soldiers played a critical role
in stopping the Japanese advance throughout the Pacific. During 3 long
years of Japanese occupation, Filipinos helped to liberate their
homeland and ultimately to defeat the Japanese warmaking machine.
That is why I am so pleased that we are moving forward with this
resolution honoring the contributions of Filipino World War II
veterans, many of whom are still with us.
It is my strong hope that passage of this measure will pave the way
for congressional consideration of the long overdue Filipino Veterans
Equity Act. This important legislation would allow Filipino veterans to
become eligible for a range of United States veterans benefits
currently reserved for former Active Duty military personnel.
Given the enormous contributions made by the Filipinos to the war in
the Pacific, it is imperative that Filipino veterans finally receive
the benefits they deserve.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to a
fighter for Filipino veterans rights, my friend and colleague from
California (Mr. Filner)
[[Page H6676]]
Mr. FILNER. I thank Congressman Lantos for your leadership in the
fight for benefits, and your chairman, Mr. Hyde, and the sponsor of
this legislation, Mr. Issa. Along with my colleague from San Diego
County, Mr. Issa, we chair the Congressional U.S.-Philippines Caucus,
and Mr. Issa is the prime sponsor of the equity bill which you talked
about, H.R. 4574, to bring real justice to our Filipino American and
Filipino veterans.
We all know, or we all should know, the impact of the Filipino
soldiers on World War II. They endured the original Japanese advance.
They held them up far beyond their calendar, allowed MacArthur and the
U.S. Army to have more time. As guerillas, they kept the Japanese busy
for the 4 years that they were occupied, and then helped prepare the
way for General MacArthur's return and our eventual victory in the
Pacific.
We know their great contribution to American history, but we have
repaid this great contribution with words. My friend, the doctor from
Florida, said this is a long overdue resolution, and it is a fitting
tribute.
Well, 10 years ago this body, or 10 years ago, President Clinton said
this same thing: I urge all Americans to recall the courage, sacrifice
and loyalty of Filipino veterans of World War II and honor them. Five
years ago President Bush sent his greetings, which said the same thing:
We thank you all for this work.
But nobody since 1946 has done what President Truman tried to say: I
consider it a moral obligation of the United States to look after the
welfare of the Filipino Army veterans. They were drafted into the
American Army. They were promised benefits.
But in 1946, this Congress, only Mr. Lantos was here, I think, at the
time, this Congress passed a Rescissions Act, which cut the benefits
and cut the recognition that they were promised by President Roosevelt
and President Truman.
{time} 1530
This is wrong, my colleagues; and yet Mr. Issa, as the sponsor of
this resolution, also is the sponsor of the real answer to this
situation and the real tribute that we could pay to these veterans, all
of whom now are in their 80s. They are a rapidly dwindling band of
patriots. What they want is honor and dignity, and that is provided by
H.R. 4574, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act. I hope that Mr. Lantos is
right, that this resolution will pave the way. I am afraid it will be
an excuse for not doing anything more.
Let us pass this resolution. It helps educate us and our constituents
about the role of the Filipino veterans in World War II. But let us go
further. Let us pass the Filipino Veterans Equity Act, which provides
access to health care and access to pensions of those Filipinos who are
eligible.
They don't have long to live, Madam Speaker. They want the honor and
dignity that was denied them after World War II. So let us give a
fitting tribute and let us do a long overdue action of this Congress.
Let us pass H.R. 4574, which will be our true tribute to these brave
men.
I thank Mr. Issa for introducing this resolution. Let us approve it,
but let us move on beyond this and truly recognize those who
contributed so much to this Nation's freedom and independence.
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to my good
friend and distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr.
Scott).
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
California for yielding. I rise in strong support of this resolution.
On December 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan attacked not only Pearl
Harbor, but also Clark Airfield in the Philippines. Tens of thousands
of Americans died that day, but also thousands of Filipino soldiers
lost their lives. This one act of war united the American and Filipino
people in the noble cause of ending tyranny in the Pacific.
In 1946, President Harry Truman cited that during the war the
Philippine Army veterans ``fought with gallantry and courage under the
most difficult conditions.'' He also declared that it was the ``moral
obligation of the United States to look after the welfare of the
Philippine Army veterans.'' In fact, it was with that promise that many
of the veterans joined our military efforts, many losing their lives,
others suffering lifetime injuries.
Our promise, however, remains unfulfilled. We promised to make them
eligible for veterans benefits, but, unfortunately, in 1946, Congress
withdrew those benefits.
Now, nearly 60 years later, our Filipino veterans are still looking
to see our promise fulfilled. We saw some progress in 2003 when we
passed the Veterans Benefit Act, which increased VA benefits for U.S.
residents who are Filipino veterans and made the new Philippine Scouts
living in the United States eligible for burial in VA national
cemeteries.
The United States is indebted to the 120,000 Filipino veterans of
World War II for their extraordinary sacrifices. While we can never
fully repay our veterans for the sacrifices made on our behalf, today
we stop to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom and to
thank those who are still with us for their courage and dedication to
our country.
Although no longer a territory of the United States, the Philippines
and the United States are bound by the countless sacrifices the
Filipino veterans made during World War II. We are also bound by
countless contributions and achievements of Americans of Filipino
descent in every field of human endeavor, including the sciences,
business, education, medicine, the arts, athletics, and government.
As the only Member of Congress with any Filipino ancestry, I am
honored to come before the House today to honor the Filipino veterans
of World War II and urge my colleagues not only to support this
resolution, but to also pass legislation to grant the Filipino veterans
the equity that they were promised
Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor and strong
supporter of H. Res. 622, a 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. As a
member of the U.S. Philippines Caucus and the Congressional Asian
Pacific American Caucus, I am pleased that the House of Representatives
is considering this important resolution and urge its passage.
Just this past weekend, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the President of the
Republic of Philippines, visited my home State of Hawaii and unveiled
at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific a commemorative marker
honoring Filipinos and Americans who served in World War II. President
Macapagal-Arroyo's presence underlines the continuing closeness and
importance of the relationship between our two countries.
With more Filipino-Americans in my district than any other
congressional district in the country, I was pleased that President
George W. Bush, at my request, wrote a message on the occasion of the
centennial anniversary of Filipino migration to Hawaii. We must also
continue to celebrate and thank the early Filipino migrants who came to
work in the sugar plantations of Hawaii and those who fought in support
of the United States in World War II.
But there is still much more to be done in support of these brave
individuals.
I have introduced legislation in both the 108th and l09th Congresses
advancing the interests of the families of our Filipino World War II
veterans, many of whom are still waiting in the Philippines to be
reunited with their loved ones living in the United States. Earlier
this Congress, I reintroduced the bill (H.R. 901) that provides for the
sons and daughters of our Filipino World War II veterans to receive
priority preference in their respective immigration categories.
Because of the grassroots support by many in Hawaii and across the
country and in the Philippines, I am proud to say that Congress is on
the verge of successfully advancing legislation that will enable the
children of our Filipino World War II veterans to join their parents in
the United States. The objectives of H.R. 901 were included in the
Senate's version of comprehensive immigration reform legislation. I
continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to
secure this provision in conference or to pass the free-standing bill.
With the waning days of the 109th Congress upon us, we must stay
vigilant and continue to urge Congress to make this and all issues
affecting Filipino veterans a high priority in our busy Congressional
schedule. I urge Congress to pass H. Res. 622 and to also consider H.R.
901 before the adjournment of the 109th Congress.
Madam Speaker, I commend the Gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) for
introducing this important measure. I ask all members to not only
support this important resolution, but to also continue to support the
full federal recognition and accessibility of benefits for Filipino
veterans.
[[Page H6677]]
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of
H. Res. 622, 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 1941, 250,000 of Filipino men and women responded to President
Roosevelt's call and joined the U.S. Armed Forces in order to help
preserve peace and democracy in the Philippines.
In their tumultuous four-year battle to restore their independence,
the courageous young men and women of the combined Philippine Islands
suffered many hardships, tortures, loss of life and limbs, yet they
never wavered. They endured the unendurable. They bore the unbearable.
Four decades after their heroic service under the command of their
leaders and General Douglas McArthur, these men and women of Filipino-
American national heritage were denied the benefits and privileges
provided to their American compatriots who fought alongside them.
It is past time that the brave and proud soldiers of the Philippines
receive well-earned recognition and thanks for their selfless and
heroic contributions.
Filipino World War II veterans fought as nationals of the United
States and must be given the same recognition and praise as all
American veterans. I applaud the service and efforts of all of our
veterans and am honored to give such praise to the Filipino World War
II veterans.
I urge my colleagues not only to support this resolution--I urge my
colleagues to also consider legislation, such as H.R. 170, the Filipino
Veterans Fairness Act, that will grant these aging patriots the full
benefits they are due.
Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, during World War II, the War in the
Pacific began with attacks on the United States on December 7, 1941,
including the bombing of Pearl Harbor, attacks on the Philippine
Islands and the invasion of Guam. Within days of these attacks, our
nation and our allies mobilized for war. The United States and the
Philippines united behind the cause of democracy and we are proud of
the support of the Filipinos during that difficult time. This is why I
rise today in support of House Resolution 622, 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.
Ultimate victory belonged to the cause of freedom and therefore to
the American and Filipino people. Having suffered a brutal occupation,
Filipinos and Guamanians alike were liberated in the march to allied
victory in World War II.
Filipino soldiers and civilians fought, sacrificed and died side-by-
side with members of the U.S. Armed Forces throughout the course of the
World War II. Loyal to the American flag and to the ideals which our
country represented, Filipinos fought with notable skill, dedication,
and heroism. We honor their commitment to freedom and democracy.
Over sixty years later, we pause today to remember the valor and the
commitment to freedom displayed by Filipinos who fought the invading
forces alongside their American brothers in arms. With this resolution
we also proclaim our deep debt of gratitude for their service and share
the disappointment that our nation has not fully honored Filipino World
War II veterans as have we have honored our own. It is important that
we recognize the Filipino veterans and express our appreciation for
their sacrifices, contributions and accomplishments.
I am a proud sponsor of this legislation. I urge my colleagues to
honor Filipino veterans by voting in favor of this resolution to honor
the Filipino World War II veterans for their defense of freedom and
their important contributions to our nation in World War II.
Mr. BILBRAY. Madam Speaker, today the House of Representatives is
poised to pass House, Resolution 622 honoring and recognizing the
service of Filipino World War II veterans in their defense of our
society and the freedoms we enjoy today. I am proud to co-sponsor this
resolution highlighting the efforts of a community that came together
with the United States to triumph over Japanese Imperialism.
In 1946, on a hot July day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a
military draft calling the organized military forces of the Government
of the Commonwealth of the Philippines into armed services under the
command of United States Army officers lead by General Douglas
MacArthur. Those brave soldiers stood side by side with American
military service members courageously fighting to defend America.
These Filipino World War II veterans are part of what is often
referred to as the ``greatest generation'' and with good reason. From
Bataan to Corregidor, Filipino soldiers unselfishly fought to preserve
and protect the democratic principles we champion, with the hope that
those principles could liberate a people enveloped by tyranny. Today,
we stand to recognize those heroes who fought so valiantly to help win
the peace in the Pacific.
Madam Speaker, in San Diego we have a vibrant and robust Filipino
community that includes many military families with a storied line of
military service to our nation. Through the sacrifices of these brave
veterans, serve as an example for all Americans. The Filipino community
in San Diego has a distinct pride that defines them, and for that they
enrich San Diego and make it a better place to live.
I thank my colleague from California, Mr. Issa, for introducing this
legislation and I look forward to voting on its passage.
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H. Res. 622, to, provide
recognition to the Filipino veterans who fought to defend democracy and
freedom during World War II. Their heroic efforts played a vital role
in the outcome of the war and helped lead the allied forces to,
victory.
It was more than 60 years ago, when Filipino, soldiers answered a
call from President Roosevelt asking them to fight alongside American
troops. Countless Filipino and American soldiers sacrificed their lives
to protect the democratic principles they shared. It was estimated that
10,000 Filipino, soldiers and 1,200 American soldiers died as prisoners
of war during the Bataan Death March alone.
Upon taking the pledge to serve, the Filipino, troops were promised
the same benefits and pensions as their American brethren. They
suffered the same torture and witnessed the same horrors. They shared
the same patriotic duty to preserve liberty around the world. But in
1946 Congress passed the Recission Act, which revoked the full
eligibility rights of Filipino soldiers and broke the commitment our
nation made to, them.
As we stand together today acknowledging the contributions that the
Filipino, soldiers sacrificed for our country, we must pledge to
continue their fight for full recognition. This resolution is the first
step in correcting the past. As Americans, we make a simple yet sacred
promise to those who serve our country in uniform: `You have taken care
of us, so we will take care of you.'
Today, fewer than 70,000 Filipino, veterans are still alive. We
remember World War II hero Magdaleno Duenas, a brave soldier who moved
to my district in San Francisco and continued the fight from the
battlefield to the frontlines in effort to ensure equity for Filipino
veterans. We cannot forget the sacrifices that these veterans have
made. We must dedicate ourselves as a nation to ensure that America
fulfills its moral obligation to those who pay the high price for our
freedom.
Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor those
brave American and Filipino soldiers who fought side by side during the
Pacific battles of World War II. Their heroic actions and courageous
fortitude gave the Allied Forces the edge that they needed to emerge
victorious in that great war.
American veterans like Donald Patafio of Woodcliff Lakes and Raymond
DiPietro of Demarest. Patafio and DiPietro served in the Navy alongside
these brave Filipino soldiers in the battle for their homeland. Patafio
served honorably as an aviation radioman and DiPietro's unit received a
Presidential Citation for their work in the battle.
More than 120,000 Filipino nationals were formed into U.S. divisions
for the defense of their homeland and to advance the Allied forces'
cause of liberty. Though poorly equipped, they fought valiantly under
the American flag and under the direction of American military leaders
in the weeks following the invasion of their homeland. Many continued
the battle against the Japanese during the years of occupation.
Thousands of American and Filipino troops died during the infamous
hundred-mile Bataan Death March. Many were executed along the way for
merely asking for water in the scorching sun. While 70,000 forces
surrendered, only 54,000 reached the internment camp. The Geneva
Convention was no barrier to the mistreatment, torture, and
indiscriminate execution inflicted upon these prisoners of war.
Civilian Filipinos suffered for their alliance with our American
troops as well. In Manila, for instance, Japanese troops--in an
indefensible position and cut off from supplies--took their anger out
on an undefended civilian population, massacring more than 100,000.
We are grateful for the service of all the Filipino people--civilian,
guerilla, and regular army--in the defense of democracy. And, we are
thankful for their continued friendship. To this day, the Filipino
people continue to welcome American soldiers, sailors, and airmen to
bases that were instrumental in the Cold War and are now important in
the War on Terror. As they did in World War II, fighting along side of
brave American soldiers like Donald Patafio and Raymond DiPietro, the
people of the Philippines continue to work with American forces to
spread the cause of liberty.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor
the sacrifice of the Filipino veterans of WWII.
America owes a great debt of gratitude to these brave veterans, who
risked life and limb
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fighting off Japanese aggression in the War of the Pacific.
These brave soldiers, who were outmanned and outgunned, helped hold
Japanese forces at bay for 2 years, preventing enemy victories in other
parts of the Pacific theater.
Following the surrender of Allied forces on the island, Filipino
veterans were subjected to some of the harshest treatment in WWII's
recorded history.
This is perhaps best symbolized by the Bataan Death March, where over
10,000 veterans--both American and Filipino, side by side--gave the
ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
That is why I would like to thank my colleague, Representative Daryl
Issa, for offering H. Res. 622.
This important resolution, ``Reaffirms, recognizes, and honors the
Filipino World War II veterans for their defense of American democracy
and important contribution to the victorious outcome of World War II.''
And while I proudly support Mr. Issa's efforts here today, I must
point out that there is much more work left to be accomplished in fully
honoring and recognizing the sacrifices of our brave Filipino WWII
veterans.
Sadly, Madam Speaker, as many of these veterans enter the sunset of
their years, America has yet to fully extend health and survivor
benefits to them and to their spouses.
Filipino veterans did not abandon America in her hour of need. Nor
should we abandon them in theirs.
Congress must pass legislation to correct this inequity immediately.
Several bills that more fully honor the sacrifices of these brave
veterans, including, H.R. 302, the Filipino Equity Act, introduced by
my colleague and fellow Californian Bob Filner, are pending before this
House.
H.R. 302 would restore all benefits promised to Filipino veterans. I
call on the leadership of this House to bring H.R. 302 to the floor for
a full vote before we adjourn this fall.
The words of this resolution are well deserved and welcomed by all
who honor the sacrifices by Filipino veterans of WWII. But it is time
we match our words with action.
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I also have no other requests for
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 622, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will
be postponed.
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