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[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 622 Introduced in House (IH)]

109th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 622

  To recognize and honor the Filipino World War II veterans for their 
 defense of democratic ideals and their important contribution to the 
                        outcome of World War II.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           December 16, 2005

 Mr. Issa (for himself, Mr. Filner, Mr. Berman, Ms. Bordallo, and Mr. 
 Hunter) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
                  Committee on International Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
  To recognize and honor the Filipino World War II veterans for their 
 defense of democratic ideals and their important contribution to the 
                        outcome of World War II.

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;
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 States-Philippine 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
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 reaffirms, recognizes, 
and honors the Filipino World War II veterans for their defense of 
American democracy and their important contribution to the victorious 
outcome of World War II.
                                 <all>
```