[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 16280]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING NEVADA'S WORLD WAR II FILIPINO VETERANS

  Mr. HELLER. Madam President, today I wish to honor several Nevada 
heroes who are being recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal for 
their service in the Philippines during World War II: Sergeant Regalado 
Baldonado, Private Aurelio Dela Cruz, Corporal Benito Anton, Private 
First Class Leonardo Palao, and the many other Filipino and Filipino 
American veterans across our Nation. My appreciation for their service 
and sacrifice is immeasurable.
  During World War II, more than 260,000 Filipino soldiers from the 
U.S. commonwealth of the Philippines answered President Roosevelt's 
call to fight under the American flag. These individuals fought 
bravely, some making the ultimate sacrifice in defense of democracy and 
freedom. More than half a century later, our Nation made a commitment 
to honoring them for their service.
  As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I believe it 
is our solemn responsibility to recognize those who put their lives on 
the line. That is why I was proud to work with my colleague Senator 
Hirono to pass into law the Filipino Veterans of World War II 
Congressional Gold Medal Act, Public Law 114-265, to recognize the 
dedication and heroism of these individuals.
  Now the time has come to award this Congressional Gold Medal to 
Filipino World War II veterans on October 25, 2017, and I could not be 
more proud and humbled that Nevada is home to Filipino veterans who 
served and are most deserving of this medal. Today I would like to 
again recognize and honor Filipino veterans who are living in Nevada: 
Sergeant Regalado Baldonado, Private Aurelio Dela Cruz, Corporal Benito 
Anton, and Private First Class Leonardo Palao. To these heroes, your 
place in history will not be forgotten. There are also many other 
Filipino veterans from Nevada who have passed on, but our gratitude 
extends to their family members who will ensure their legacy lives on.
  While the awarding of this Congressional Gold Medal is a proud moment 
for the Filipino community and America, many Filipino veterans have yet 
to receive recognition for their service. There is no doubt to me that 
Filipino soldiers served honorably in the Commonwealth Army of the 
Philippines, Recognized Guerilla Forces, and New Philippine Scouts 
alongside U.S. troops during World War II. However, some have still not 
been verified by the U.S. for their service because they don't have the 
documentation the U.S. requires. This is an injustice that I will 
continue fighting so that every Filipino veteran is afforded respect 
for and acknowledgement of their contributions to our country.
  I am honored to acknowledge all Filipino and Filipino American 
veterans for their dedication to our country and am proud this 
Congressional Gold Medal will serve as a constant reminder of the 
importance of the Filipino and Filipino American community in our 
Nation's history.

                          ____________________