[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 29 (Thursday, February 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING FILIPINO AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

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                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 12, 2009

  Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about a resolution 
that I have re-introduced along with Congressmen Bilbray, Honda, Issa, 
and Bobby Scott, my colleagues in the U.S.-Philippines Friendship 
Caucus (H. Res. 155). This resolution recognizes Filipino American 
Heritage Month and celebrates the heritage and culture of Filipino 
Americans and their immense contributions to our nation.
  The Filipino American National Historical Society established 
Filipino American History Month in 1988 but I was surprised to learn 
that the House of Representatives has never recognized this month, 
which is long overdue! We are pleased to honor the Filipino American 
community and pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions that 
Filipinos make to this nation. Filipino Americans have been part of the 
American experience, confronting many difficult challenges while being 
resolute and steadfast in their cultural heritage.
  We honor Filipino Americans, from farm workers to nurses and doctors 
to the brave and courageous soldiers who fought shoulder-to-shoulder 
with American servicemen. This country is indebted to the Filipino 
veterans of World War II for their extraordinary sacrifices. We promise 
that we will not give up. Equity and recognition for World War II 
Veterans is a moral imperative.
  I invite my colleagues to join with me in honoring the history, 
culture, and contribution of Filipino Americans in the United States by 
supporting this important resolution.

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