Pelosi Statement on Equity for Filipino Veterans
Pelosi Statement on Equity for Filipino Veterans
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Contact: Dan Bernal/Melanie Nutter, 415-556-4862
San Francisco, CA -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today at a press conference to support Filipino veterans in their struggle to obtain full recognition and benefits for their military service.
"Thank you Supervisor Peskin for hosting today's event and for your leadership in the fight to restore benefits for Filipino Veterans. Mr. Alberto Saldajeno, who is here today, served his country so dutifully and stands with us today as a reminder of the great sacrifice that Filipinos made in defending our country's freedom. He deserves his veterans' benefits.
"More than 60 years ago, the U.S. government asked Filipino soldiers to serve under U.S. authority. The people of the Philippines stepped up to the challenge and played a vital role in the outcome of World War II. Fighting a ruthless enemy, countless Americans and Filipinos sacrificed their lives to uphold democratic principles. The courageous efforts of Filipino soldiers, scouts and guerillas were central to allied victory in the Philippines and in the Pacific theater.
"When Congress passed the Rescission Act of 1946, it regrettably revoked the full eligibility rights of Filipino soldiers and broke our nation's commitment to those brave soldiers who have served. The Rescission Act is a sad, shameful chapter in the history of the United States. Over the years we have restored some health care benefits to Filipino veterans, but we must restore full benefits. As Americans, we make a simple yet sacred promise to those who serve our country in uniform: 'You have taken care of us, so we will take care of you.' That is why I have urged Congress to pass the Filipino Veterans Equity Act (HR 4574), which would fulfill the commitment the United States made over half a century ago to courageous Filipino soldiers.
"Filipino veterans who have fought for freedom and liberty should not have to fight the government for the benefits they deserve. On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we will leave no veteran behind.
"Today, I honor Mr. Saldajeno and all the brave Filipinos who served our country with courageousness and a strong dedication to freedom. In this spirit, I would also like to pay tribute to the life of Magdaleno Duenas, a World War II military hero who passed away last year at the age of 90. We honor and thank him for his valiant military service and the sacrifices he made for our nation, as well as his lifelong struggle on behalf of Filipino veterans of World War II.
"Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Duenas waited for the recognition of the U.S. government for the services he rendered during WWII. He died still waiting for equity. We will not rest until Filipino veterans receive the recognition and benefits that they deserve.
"We will never forget the sacrifices Mr. Duenas, Mr. Saldajeno and other Filipino veterans made for our freedom. We must dedicate ourselves as a nation to ensure that America fulfills its moral obligation to those who pay the high price for our freedom.
"Congressman Bob Filner is tirelessly working in the House of Representatives to restore overdue benefits for Filipino Veterans. Thank you also to Luisa Antonio, the National Network for Veteran's Equity and everyone participating today who are fighting for justice for Filipino veterans.
"The United States made a promise to our veterans and I will continue to fight to fully restore Filipinos' benefits that are six decades overdue."