The Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 is the highest expression of national appreciation in the U.S.
The Filipino war veterans are now being recognized in the United States as American President Barack Obama signed into law a bill pushing for their recognition, the Philippine Embassy in Washington confirmed on December 16, Friday.
The Senate Bill number 1555, otherwise known as the “Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015” was signed into law by President Obama on Thursday.
The said law will provide for the award of a Congressional gold medal to 260 thousand Filipino war veterans as a recognition of their dedicated service to the armed forces during the second world war.
According to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, the Congressional Gold Medal is considered as the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions in the U.S.
The bill was approved by the House of Representatives on November 30 and was later passed unanimously by the U.S. Congress.
Long before signing the bill into law, when he visited the Philippines, President Obama admitted the wrongdoings of the U.S. towards the Filipino war veterans who were denied compensation for their dedicated service under the American flag, calling it “an injustice”.
He regretted that many Filipino war veterans were never fully recognized by his nation and that they were denied the benefits they were promised.
There he also promised that his government had been working to reverse or right their wrong.
Obama also recalled how Filipino and American soldiers alike defended Corregidor and Bataan during the World War II and later suffered as prisoners of war, many died during the death marches.
“In those years of occupation, Filipino resistance fighters kept up the struggle. And hundreds of thousands of Filipinos fought under the American flag”, the American President recounted some facts.
Meanwhile, the enactment of the “Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015” , the Philippine Embassy said that is is pleased that the present American Chief Executive has recognized the service of Filipino soldiers.
Minister Patrick Chuasoto, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Philippine Embassy, said in a statement that the gold medal is a fitting tribute to the sacrifices, courage and strength of the veterans. He also expressed gratitude to the war veterans who deserve the respect of the people.
He also thanked those who supported the bill, including the Philippine Consulates General and Filipino communities across the United States, he Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations.
Chuasoto also hopes that the old soldiers would see the actual gold medal as soon as it is minted.