America’s Broken Promise to the Philippines
During World War II, more than 260,000 Filipino and Filipino American soldiers answered President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s call to defend the United States and the Philippines during World War II. The bravery and sacrifice of these soldiers were integral to American victory in the Pacific. Instead of being recognized for their wartime service and sacrifice, the Rescission Acts of 1947 revoked the US nationality status of 200,000 Filipino WWII soldiers and their promised compensation.
No recognitions
No citizenship rights
No veterans benefits
The long awaited recognition for Filipino veterans of World War II and their families
Despite the injustice, discrimination, and sense of inferiority they suffered after the war, these veterans remained proud, steadfast, and loyal to the United States. In May 2013, the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP) was formed to create a national campaign to raise awareness through academic research and public education and obtain national recognition of the Filipino-American WWII soldiers for their wartime service to the United States and Philippines from July 1941 to December 1946.
FilVetREP’s plan comprises two phases:
Phase one: Passage of the Congressional Gold Medal
The tireless efforts of members of FivetREP, partners, and sponsors for their grassroots campaign eventually led to the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act signed into law by President Obama on December 14, 2016.
On October 25, 2017, Former House Speaker Paul Ryan awarded the Congressional Gold Medals to over 600 Veterans and Families at the Emancipation Hall at Capitol Hill. After 75 years, the Filipino American WWII veterans finally received the recognition they earned and deserve.
National organizations and advocacy groups joined as partners and supporters
Award Ceremonies held across the U.S. and in the Philippines
Medals awarded at no cost to the veteran, their spouse, or their next-of-kin
Following the congressional presentation at Emancipation Hall, FilVetREP has held its own ceremonies to individually present bronze replicas of medal and a copy of Public Law 114-265 to living veterans or their next of kin.
However, there are more than 10,000 living veterans across our country who haven’t yet been recognized for their sacrifices and we are committed to honor and celebrate their military service and legacy. FilVetREP will continue to add names to the National Registry to ensure that all living veterans and next of kin of deceased veterans will receive their medals.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our efforts and ensure our veterans get the recognitions they deserve.
Phase Two: National Education Program
This ongoing education program features Under One Flag, a dynamic online exhibition, hours of oral history testimonies, profiles of key historical figures and dozens of animations and illustrations that bring the story to life. Visit www.dutytocountry.org to learn more.
A dynamic online exhibition that explores the untold story of two nations — the United States and the Philippines — fighting together under the U.S. Flag.
A rich archive of 20+ hours of videos and compelling first-hand stories told by the last of the living veterans, their families, activists and historians.
An online education resource will be created to help teachers in the classroom integrate the Filipino American story into their curriculum.