AMBASSADOR of the United States to the Philippines Sung Kim presented bronze replicas of the Congressional Gold Medal, the US Congress’ highest civilian honor, to 13 Filipino World War II (WWII) veterans at the US Embassy on September 13, which marked the first time the honor was presented on Philippine soil.
“As we remember those who defended Bataan, those who fought in Corregidor and those who liberated Manila, we pause to reflect and honor their lives and legacies,” Kim said at the ceremony. “What they have freely given is beyond our power to repay, but on this day and at this time, we recognize our debt for their sacrifices with deep respect and profound appreciation.”
In July 1941 President Franklin D. Roosevelt called more than 250,000 Filipinos into service with US military units and guerilla forces to defend the Philippines. Between July 1941 and December 1946 Philippine service members fought alongside the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (Usaffe) and under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, Major General Jonathan Wainwright and Major General Edward King. The Filipino soldiers gave their lives in the defense of their homeland and in service to the US.
“It is of great honor and pride to be bestowed the Congressional Gold Medal by the US Congress,” (Ret.) Col. Paterno V. Viloria, Philippine Army said. “I am overjoyed that after more than seven decades, we Filipino veterans of WW II, who fought side by side with the [Usaffe], are finally getting the honor and recognition we deserve for our bravery and heroism, our selfless sacrifice and dedicated service during the war.”
The US Congress passed the Filipino Veterans of WW II Congressional Gold Medal Act in November 2016, which then-US President Barack Obama signed the bill into law in December of the same year.
The first ceremony was held in the US Capitol building in Washington, D.C., on October 25, 2017.
The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office will hold regional ceremonies around the Philippines. The regional ceremonies will give veterans and their families the opportunity to honor and celebrate the wartime service and sacrifices of Filipino veterans of WW II. With a report from Recto L. Mercene