Wrtitten by Richard Gali, Barkada, Inc.
The “Day of Valor” and “Bataan Day” was recognized on Thursday, April 10th, for the Filipino Veterans who fought alongside with the Americans in WWII. After sixty-three years, April 10th turned out to be the first official day where the Filipino Veterans can finally claim the money that was denied to them several times. Although they will continue to fight for the military rights that they deserve, the Lolos were also recognized with San Francisco’s Mayor, Mayor Gavin Newsom, a huge supporter for the Filipino Veterans, in City hall. “The Filipinos must be the most patriotic and valiant group I’ve met,” says Mayor Newsom, “I have never seen any one put as much effort and heart into a cause. I know the money you are receiving is not much today, but I will continue to support your endeavors.” For many Lolos, the money does not matter as much anymore. After sixty-three years, having their children petitioned is one issue they want to resolve, but most importantly, the Filipino Veterans want to be recognized in the eyes of the U.S government.; and with Mayor Newsom giving the Lolo’s honor, they would not trade those spoken words for anything.
Filipino organizers who’ve been fighting for this cause, decided to “kill two birds with one stone”. Right across the street, in the War Memorial Building of San Francisco, was a celebration of “Bataan Day.” As many Filipino Veterans were seated, they were praised as heroes by their supporters. Many sad tears were shed when the story of Bataan was retold in detail by Ben Menor yet happy tears were soon to come when reminded that after all the years of struggle, the Filipino Veterans were recognized.
Filipino American WWII Veterans honored after 63 years without benefits.
Thanks to President Obama’s stimulus package, the Filipino Veterans are allowed to claim $9,000 if they are an immigrant or $15,000 if they are a U.S citizen. So if you are aware of any veterans in the family, the website http://manila.usembassy.gov/ will allow you to print out a claim application. The deadline is until February 2010. “The people united will never be defeated."
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By adrian on April 25, 2009 - 9:00am
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Comments
This is great news. I just visited the website and did notice something peculiar. It doesn't allow the spouses and children of the veterans to make a claim which means if the veteran is deceased, the claim is dead in the water. Although justice for the veterans has been achieved, I think justice for the families has fallen short. That money, which should have been awarded years ago, would have gone to supporting said spouses and children. I mean, the money would not have been selfishly squandered by the veterans with families. At this point, there is only a small "regiment" of Filipino WWII veterans living today who can legally make the claim. I think the government should open it up to direct family to make the claim. It would only be fair especially in these tough economic times.