[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 9 (Thursday, January 24, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING SILVERIO 
                             CUARESMA, SR.

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life 2LT 
Silverio Cuaresma, Sr., whose passing on January 20, 2013, has brought 
great sadness to the Silver State. As a member of the World War II 
Mighty Five Nevadans and the State's oldest unrecognized Filipino-
American World War II veteran, Mr. Cuaresma dedicated his life to 
honoring Filipino veterans for their sacrifices. I am grateful for his 
service to our country and advocacy on behalf of our heroes. While in 
the Senate, I will continue fighting to guarantee that all veterans and 
their families are properly thanked for their sacrifices.
  As one of the Mighty Five, Mr. Cuaresma fought tirelessly to secure 
proper military recognition and compensation for our Nation's nearly 
24,000 Filipino World War II veterans. We must continue the fight to 
ensure that Filipino veterans like Mr. Cuaresma are honored for their 
sacrifices. That is why I introduced the Filipino Veterans Fairness 
Act. This bill would establish a process for Filipinos who have fought 
alongside the U.S. military during World War II to work with military 
historians to determine eligibility for military benefits. I believe we 
have a responsibility to ensure that individuals who served honorably 
alongside U.S. troops are recognized for their contributions to our 
Nation.
  My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Cuaresma's family and friends 
during this difficult time. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
celebrating the life of an honorable man who was devoted to providing 
justice for our Nation's heroes.

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