Sixty-three years ago, President Truman signed the Rescission Act which denied the Filipino veterans of WWII equal status as American veterans, stripping them of equal recognition, compensation, and benefits. These Filipino soldiers, who swore an oath of allegiance to the U.S., fought side-by-side with American soldiers under the American flag. Despite their gallant efforts, Congress passed the Rescission Act, which denied these veterans their rightfully earned respect, benefits, and honor. A candlelight vigil and dinner held on Thursday, February 18, in San Francisco celebrated (with mixed emotions) the restoration of benefits for Filipino WWII in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (HR1) which President Obama signed into law on February 17, 2009. The widows of these veterans are currently unable to receive any compensation and a request has been put in to lobby for the spouses to receive benefits.
Photos by Annabelle A. Udo
Video: San Francisco, Feb. 18, 2009
About Community News
The news posted on this page is information intended for AAJA members and supporters. Posting does not necessarily constitute an endorsement by AAJA.
Balitang America/ABS-CBN News (via NAM): Filipino War Veterans, Supporters Eye Next Moves
NPR: Stimulus To Repay Debt To WWII Filipino Veterans
Email
Print