Press Statement

September 23, 2008

RECOGNITION FOR FILIPINO WORLD WAR II VETERANS, NO TO RACISM AND BIGOTRY

Yesterday, we came to San Francisco Office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi to protest and express our support to SB 1315 and opposition to HR 6897 of Congressman Bob Filner. HR 6897.

As we protest, we heard that SB 1315 passed but take out all provisions pertaining to our veterans. This says the Congress does not recognize their war time services and do not give the same benefits as our American counterparts have. It is an insult to Filipino American community and the historical contributions of the Filipino people who lost one million lives in the war.

Today they will discuss HR 6897. No matter what the result is, this is blatant racism loud and clear. This is like the rescission act of 1946 all over again.

More than 250,000 Filipino soldiers served under the American Flag Promises were made to them during World War II. More than one million Filipinos died during the Second World War. This is an insult to their collective memory and honor and a great insult to the Filipino community.

Much more, promises have not be kept. Today only 18,000 are still alive with more veterans dying everyday. And the House of Representatives passed the SB 1315 and the Filipinos were left out. if they pass the HR 6897 will treat them like mercenaries. Where is the honor and dignity in that?

It is time to end this injustice. If the issue is money, how come the US government can bail-out private corporations with billions of taxpayer’s dollars? Filipinos fought for freedom and democracy. They are asking for recognition and not money like mercenaries. Their honor and dignity as soldiers have no value in financial renumeration because their cause is greater than their lives.

RECOGNITION, JUSTICE, EQUITY!

Arturo P. Garcia

Justice For Filipino Ame

More than 250,000 Filipino soldiers served under the American Flag Promises were made to them during World War II. More than one million Filipinos died during the Second World War. This is an insult to their collective memory and honor and a great insult to the Filipino community.