[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 119 (Thursday, September 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1813]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE FILIPINO VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 19, 2006

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
622, recognizing and honoring the Filipino veterans who fought during 
World War II.
  Filipino soldiers fought and died alongside American troops at some 
of the war's most horrific battles like Bataan and Corregidor. During 
the infamous Bataan Death March, over six thousand Filipino soldiers 
lost their lives.
  The courage of these soldiers proved crucial to turning the tide of 
the pacific war against the Japanese forces occupying the Philippines, 
and in ultimately securing victory for the United States and the newly 
independent nation of the Philippines.
  In appreciation of the courage and sacrifice of the Filipino 
veterans, President Harry S. Truman stated: ``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.''
  Yet for all their sacrifices, Congress in 1946 divested Filipino 
soldiers of their military benefits while soldiers of other allied 
countries retained their status and privileges as American veterans. In 
2003, Congress finally acted to give Veterans Health benefits to the 
surviving Filipino veterans, and I am proud to have supported that 
effort, as well as current legislation to grant full veteran status to 
Filipino veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, young Filipino men responded to the call of duty over 
sixty years ago and fought valiantly under the American flag. I am 
proud today to support H. Res. 622 and to extend my gratitude towards 
these veterans for their dedicated service and sacrifice.

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