November 11, 2019
Dear Veterans, Families, and Friends,
On behalf of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, it is with great honor that we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, 2019. As we remember America’s Veterans, past and present, let us not forget their families who served our country as well.
President Abraham Lincoln once said “honor to the Soldier and Sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.” His wisdom was meant for our Nation to respect and recognize the selfless sacrifice, honorable service, and patriotism of Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, Airmen, and Merchant Marines who fought and defended our country since 1775. We must honor their families who stood proudly with and cared for them throughout their service.
We are also celebrating the 2d anniversary of the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act. After nearly 75 years, the Congressional Gold Medal was presented to Filipinos, Americans, and Filipino American Soldiers of World War II on October 25, 2017. They deservedly earned this recognition and enshrined in American and Filipino history for their loyalty to country, dedication to duty, and intrepidity in defense of the United States and Philippines.
The awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to the U.S Army Forces in the Far East comprised of the Philippine Scouts, Philippine Commonwealth Army, lst Filipino Infantry Regiment, 2d Filipino Infantry Battalion, lst Reconnaissance Battalion, Recognized Guerrilla Forces, New Philippine Scouts, and American units who served with them were accomplished with the incredible efforts of many organizations and individuals who believed in the significance and importance of their story and outstanding achievements.
To the Veterans and families, we owe an eternal debt of gratitude for their Duty to Country.
Let us remember always why we honor the legacy of the Veterans – those still living today and many who have since passed. They will be remembered for generations.
Thank you from all of us, and from a grateful Nation.
Antonio M. Taguba
Major General, U.S Army Retired
Chairman, FilVetRep
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The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP), is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, community-based, all-volunteer national initiative whose mission is to obtain national recognition of Filipino and American WW11 soldiers across the United States and the Philippines for their wartime service to the U.S. and the Philippines from July 26, 1941 to December 31, 1946. For more information about Filipino WWII veterans and how to get involved, visit our website at www.filvetrep.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.