Issa, Case Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Honoring 80th Anniversary of Filipino Veteran WWII Service
Washington, DC—Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) and Congressman Ed Case (HI-1) introduced a resolution recognizing Filipino veterans who served alongside the U.S. during World War II on the 80th anniversary of the military order issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Issa said, “World War II is one of history’s greatest triumphs of freedom over global tyranny. This fight had many fronts, one of which was the Pacific theater beginning 80 years ago, where Filipino veterans provided essential support and fought alongside the U.S. and our Allies. I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan resolution of recognition with 16 of my colleagues.”
Upon introduction, the resolution was also cosponsored by Reps. Herrell, Kinzinger, Fitzpatrick, Salazar, Rice, Valadao, Kim, Y., LaMalfa, Calvert, Nunes, Steel, McClintock, Garcia, McCarthy and Obernolte.
Background
On July 26, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a military order conscripting Philippine military forces into the service of the U.S. Armed Forces. At the time, President Roosevelt said, “In this great struggle of the Pacific the loyal Americans of the Philippine Island are called upon to play a crucial role … I count on every Philippine man, woman, and child to do his duty. We will do ours.”
Approximately 250,000 Filipinos served the cause under the command of General MacArthur in the Far East, in guerrilla units, and the Philippine Scouts. Their service to our country was of critical importance to the Allied success in the Pacific.
Read the resolution text here.
###