Below is a letter created by OCA—Asian Pacific American Advocates in support for HR 2737, which would award WWII Filipino Veterans the Congressional Gold Medal. These veterans have yet to be recognized for their service to U.S.:
Dear Representative,
The below Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations write to express our ardent support of to the “Filipino Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act” (HR 2737), a bi-partisan piece of legislation whose companion bill has already passed the Senate, and urge you co-sponsor it.
Over 200,000 Filipino soldiers were called into service by President Roosevelt on July 26, 1941, and served in the most grueling conditions in the World War II. An estimated 57,000 of those Filipino soldiers perished in the war effort, and fewer than 16,000 remain. Many of these veterans have waited for over 70 years to be recognized for their service to our country. The Congressional Gold Medal would be a fitting tribute to that service, and this bill will provide them with that tribute.
Because of their age, these veterans do not have much time left. It is imperative that the legislation passes before the end of the year. We again reiterate our recommendation that you and other lawmakers support and pass HR 2737. If we can provide any further assistance, please contact Kham S. Moua, OCA Senior Policy and Communications Manager, at [email protected] or at (202) 223-5500 x 115.
Sincerely,
OCA—Asian Pacific American Advocates
To sign on to the letter, click here. The deadline for sign ons is 3:00 p.m. ET Friday, September 2. It will be sent to all Congressional House members.
