US legislators want congressional honor for Filipino WWII vets

United States lawmakers have proposed a bill that will confer an American Congressional Gold Medal for Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers in the United States and the Philippines who fought during World War II.

Introduced on Thursday at the US Congress by a bipartisan and bicameral group of legislators, the bill acknowledges the dedicated service of over 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who fought side-by-side with their American counterparts.

If passed into law, it will collectively award the Congressional Gold Medal to the veterans.

Philippine Ambassador Jose Cuisia, Jr. welcomed this development and expressed his hope for the bill to move forward.

“The announcement of this bill is timely as we celebrate Philippine Independence and the friendship between the Philippines and the United States,” Cuisia said in a statement from Washington.

“Fourth of July is the United States’ Independence Day and also Philippines-American Friendship Day. Our friendship has deep historical roots, which include fighting side by side in wars for liberation,” he said. “I am pleased to see this friendship continue to grow and hope that our veterans receive the recognition they deserve.”

The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to persons “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement.”

It is the US Congress’ highest expression of appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. It is also one of the highest civilian awards in the US, along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington said a press conference announcing the bill’s introduction was held by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI).

Other members of the Senate and the House of Representatives present at the event likewise announced their support for the legislation, including Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Representative Joe Heck (R-NV), and Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA). — Michaela del Callar/KBK, GMA News

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