Luncheon Held To Honor And Remember Filipino WWII Veterans
Consul Santos Speaks Before WW2 Filipino-American Veterans
In celebrating the 65th anniversary of the July 26, 1941 induction
of the Filipinos into the United States Armed Forces of the
Far East (U.S.A.F.F.E.), the Student Action for Veterans Equity
(SAVE) together with the Veterans Equity Center (VEC) in San
Francisco, and the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco
commemorated this important occasion, on 25 July 2006, with
a special luncheon to give honor and due recognition to Filipino
World War II veterans which was held at the Bayanihan Community
Center on Mission Street.
This gathering, part of a series of weeklong events organized
by the coalition of youth and community members in the Bay Area,
aims to recognize the sacrifices and heroism of the men and
women who served under the command of the USAFFE, the Philippine
Scouts, and the recognized guerilla units during WWII. Remembering
their bravery, heroism and honor, fighting side-by-side with
American soldiers, they have certainly gave their lasting contribution
in defending freedom and democracy in the Philippines and around
the world.
The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco in its continued
support for local community advocacy programs for veterans affairs
along with its campaign for veterans equity rights, told the
Filipino veterans in attendance “the Philippine Government
supports the continuing efforts to secure due recognition and
the grant of benefits for the Filipino World War II veterans,”
conveyed by Consul Wilfredo C. Santos who participated in the
luncheon event.
The VEC and SAVE, being in the forefront in advocating for veterans
affairs, are one of the local Fil-Am community organizations
that is steadfast in campaigning for the passage of the pending
Filipino Veterans Equity Act in the U.S. Congress.
Consul Santos said “part of our campaign is the ongoing
dialogue held with state and local officials in the different
areas under our jurisdiction in which we discuss efforts to
promote the interest of Filipino World War II veterans, including
securing their due recognition and benefits from the U.S. Government.”
He added that “Our presence in this program is meant to
honor the great sacrifices of our veterans during WWII, and
to remember them by staying committed to their cause.”
