Bob Filner: “I rise today close to the 59th anniversary of Bataan Day, April 9, 1942, to recognize the brave soldiers who were…”

“I rise today close to the 59th anniversary of Bataan Day, April 9, 1942, to recognize the brave soldiers who were captured on this day and forced into the infamous Bataan Death March. I was honored to travel to the Philippines a few years ago to commemorate this day with then-President Ramos. The fall of Bataan in World War II involved the surrender of 70,000 soldiers, 12,000 of whom were Americans and 58,000 Filipinos. Many died on the death march, and those who survived were imprisoned under inhumane conditions where countless more died. These soldiers and their comrades foiled plans for a quick takeover of the region and allowed the United States the time needed to prepare for victory in the Pacific. We can recognize their courage and bravery by passing H.R. 491, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act, which would recognize the great courage and bravery of the Filipino veterans in World War II and specifically on Bataan Day April 9, 1942.”