FilVetREP Board members represented the Filipino World War II Veterans at an appreciation ceremony for Asian American CGM Recipients. (photo by Bing Branigin)
Asian American Congressional Gold Medal Recipients were honored by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser during the celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month. They were recognized for their “valor and decorated record of service” and the many sacrifices they and their families made “to ensure our freedom and democracy were protected.”
In her thank you letter to Filipino WWII Veterans, Mayor Bowser wrote: “Despite adversarial conditions, you rose above, to serve the country meritoriously, demonstrating bravery and patriotism throughout. Even after this record of commendable service, your status as a veteran was officially revoked shortly after the war ended. I join other leaders in government and society in correcting this historic wrong and recognizing the unique depth of your service protecting the country that we love.”
At a special ceremony held at the Wilson Building on May 27, representatives of Filipino WWII veterans, Nisei Japanese American veterans, and Chinese American veterans were presented certificates of appreciation by Ben de Guzman, Director of the Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, and Charlette Woodard, Director of the Mayor’s Office on Veterans Affairs.
“WWII Veterans overcame barriers of segregation, internment camps, and broken promises in addition to some of the harshest theaters of the war to serve with distinction,” de Guzman said in his opening remarks. He thanked the representatives of the three veterans groups “for the work you’ve done in service to them.”
FilVetREP Chairman Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret) received the certificate on behalf of Filipino World War II Veterans. He noted that “what the veterans and families are waiting for is a national apology from our country’s leaders, and the long awaited promise to be called veterans of the United States Armed Forces.” His full remarks are printed below.
Remarks by FilVetREP Chairman Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret.) at the D.C. Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA):
Washington, D.C.
May 27, 2025
Good afternoon, everyone.
First of all, on behalf of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, I want to specially thank Mayor Muriel Bowser, Ms. Charlotte Woodward, Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, and Mr. Ben deGuzman, Director of the Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA), for organizing this inaugural ceremonial event with the Nisei Japanese American World War II veterans and Chinese American World War II veterans.
Over 350,000 soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and merchant marine, recognized guerrilla forces – men and women who represented Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders who served our country during World War II despite suffering racial discrimination and indignation at home.
But they were determined to serve for a greater cause to demonstrate their unwavering loyalty to America regardless of the cost of their lives.
They fought in Europe, in the Philippines, China, Southeast Asia, and throughout the Pacific Islands.
They fought in deadly battles and endured heavy casualties.
They helped liberate countries from Japanese forces and German armies.
They came home victorious – alive or interned in national cemeteries.
But the most difficult and costly war they fought was within the borders of our country.
They were hoping to be celebrated among their American troop, but the torment and desperation continued even after World War II.
They were resilient, courageous, and hopeful for the United States to recognize their patriotism and heroism for willing to serve and die for America.
What did it take for them to become American citizens and gain freedom from harm?
The laws of the land were not enough to extend the hand of friendship and respect. There is still unfinished business to find reckoning and recognition. For the Filipino veterans of World War II, there is still one significant matter to be addressed.
In February 1946, U.S. Congress passed the Rescission Acts that declared two damaging provisions of the law.
Congress rescinded the recognition of Filipino soldiers as members of the United States Armed Forces and also denied them full rights, honors, and benefits accorded to American soldiers.
Despite protest from President Harry Truman, the law has never been revoked or amended.
We at FilVetRep will continue to seek congressional redress and apology from the President of the United States.
It may seem this was a lost cause for the veterans, but we still owe them a huge debt of gratitude for preserving our freedom from our enemies.
For the Filipino veterans, they protested for nearly 80 years to seek redress.
Most have since died.
In Metro D.C. we have two remaining living World War II veterans – Senior Petty Officer Ray Cabacar at 97 years old, and Rudy Panaglima, a recognized guerrilla soldier at 95 years old.
What the veterans and families are waiting for is a national apology from our country’s leaders, and the long-awaited promise to be called veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
The Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal is a shining symbol of recognition to some three hundred thousand who fought to defend the United States and Philippines, with some 58,000 killed in action, thousands were wounded for life, and thousands more missing in action.
On display, the front of the medal depicts the faces of the Philippine Scouts, the U.S. Army soldiers, and recognized guerrilla forces.
On the back of the medal highlights the mission and campaigns they fought under.
This medal is very much part of their legacy and history for their families to preserve for generations to come.
Let’s remember this day, May 17, 2025, in Washington D.C. that the Japanese Nisei soldiers, Filipino veterans, and Chinese American veterans’ Congressional Gold Medals were on full display for the first time.
No doubt they shared the same patriotic cause to serve our nation as their duty to country.
They deserved to be acknowledged, respected, and recognized for their selfless sacrifice to our nation.
Thank you.
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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.