FilVetREP first came together in May 2013 to create a national campaign to conduct research, seek congressional approval and raise national awareness that would lead to a national recognition of the Filipino American WWII soldiers. FilVetREP’s plan was three-fold: first, secure legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the soldiers and survivors; second, work with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History to exhibit the Congressional Gold Medal; and third, develop a digital exhibition and educational program to preserve the Filipino veterans’ historic legacy.

To achieve these goals, FilVetREP formed a project team to undertake academic studies and research, organize a national Filipino WWII veterans support coalition, and plan public information and fundraising campaigns. At a kick-off meeting at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. in June 2014, more than 30 national organizations and veterans advocacy groups joined the Project as partners and supporters.

In September 2014, FilVetREP was officially formed with a board of directors representing 11 regions, and an executive committee to execute the daily operations of the project.

In June 2015, the “Filipino World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015,” S.1555, was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Dean Heller (R-NV), and in the House, H.R. 2737, by U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) and former U.S. Rep. Joe Heck (R-NV).

After many months of grassroots engagement and advocacy, the U.S. Senate passed S.1555 the legislation on July 13, 2016, and in the U.S. House of Representatives subsequently passed the measure on November 30, 2016, by more than the required two-thirds majority in both chambers with 71 cosponsors in the Senate and 312 cosponsors in the House. President Barack Obama signed the bill into law on December 14, 2016, which became (Public Law 114-265).

Public Law 114-265 awards a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the Filipino veterans of World War II, whose dedicated service is now enshrined in U.S. history.