WHEREAS, During World War II (WWII), the Philippines was a Commonwealth of the United States; and
WHEREAS, On July 26, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called into the service of the United States all organized military forces of the Philippines as tensions with Japan rose in the Pacific; and
WHEREAS, The United States War Department established the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), made up of the United States-Philippine Military Forces of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, New Philippine Scouts, Philippines Constabulary, and Recognized Guerrilla Units; and
WHEREAS, On December 20, 1941, President Roosevelt signed a law allowing Filipinos in the United States to enlist in the Armed Forces. This led to the formation of the 1st and 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments; and
WHEREAS, More than 200,000 Filipino soldiers courageously fought in WWII with commitment to the allied world's struggle against fascism. Many made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for freedom, courage, and honor; and
WHEREAS, An estimated 18,000 soldiers are still living in the United States and the Philippines; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby urges Congress to award a Congressional gold medal, collectively, to the Filipino Veterans of World War II, in recognition of their dedicated service to the United States from July 26, 1941 to December 31, 1946.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Major General Tony Taguba, U.S. Army (ret.), and the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End