H. Res. 622

In the House of Representatives, U. S., 

September 19, 2006.

Whereas in 1898, the Philippines Archipelago was acquired 

by the United States, became an organized United States 

territory in 1902, and, in preparation for independence, 

became a self-governing commonwealth in 1935; 

Whereas the people of the Philippines and of the United 

States developed strong ties throughout the decades-long 

democratic transition of the island, compelling the United 

States to assume the responsibilities of defending the archipelago and protecting the people of the Philippines; 

Whereas on July 26, 1941, anticipating the aggression of 

Japanese invasion forces in the Asia Pacific region, as 

well as the imminent conflict between the United States 

and Japan, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a 

military order, calling the organized military forces of the 

Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines into 

armed service under the command of United States Army 

officers led by General Douglas MacArthur; 

Whereas on December 7, 1941, the Japanese Government 

began a devastating four-year war with the United States 

with their stealth bombing attacks of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Clark Air Field, Philippines, and led to the loss 

of tens of thousands of American and Filipino soldiers 

and countless civilian casualties; 
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•HRES 622 EH 

Whereas on February 20, 1946, President Harry Truman 

stated, ‘‘Philippine Army veterans are nationals of the 

United States and will continue in that status until July 

4, 1946. They fought, as American nationals, under the 

American flag, and under the direction of our military 

leaders. They fought with gallantry and courage under 

most difficult conditions. I consider it a moral obligation 

of the United States to look after the welfare of the Philippine Army veterans.’’; 

Whereas on October 17, 1996, President William J. Clinton 

issued a proclamation on the anniversary of the 1944 return of United States forces under General MacArthur to 

liberate the Philippines and said, ‘‘I urge all Americans 

to recall the courage, sacrifice, and loyalty of Filipino 

Veterans of World War II and honor them for their contribution to our freedom.’’; 

Whereas on July 26, 2001, President George W. Bush, in his 

greetings to the Filipino World War II veterans said, 

‘‘More than 120,000 Filipinos fought with unwavering 

loyalty and great gallantry under the command of General Douglas MacArthur. The combined United StatesPhilippine forces distinguished themselves by their valor 

and heroism in defense of freedom and democracy. Thousands of Filipino soldiers gave their lives in the battles 

of Bataan and Corregidor. These soldiers won for the 

United States the precious time needed to disrupt the enemy’s plan for conquest in the Pacific. During the three 

long years following these battles, the Filipino people valiantly resisted a brutal Japanese occupation with an indomitable spirit and steadfast loyalty to America.’’; and 
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•HRES 622 EH 

Whereas the contributions of the Filipino people, and the sacrifices of their soldiers in World War II, have not been 

fully recognized: Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes 

and honors Filipino World War II veterans for their important contributions to the victorious outcome of World War II, 

including their valiant fight for the liberation of their homeland and their defense of democratic ideals. 

Attest:

Clerk.