Bob Filner: “Mr. Speaker, today is an historic day in this Chamber. We are taking the first step in the long overdue recognition of a…”

“Mr. Speaker, today is an historic day in this Chamber. We are taking the first step in the long overdue recognition of a group of brave soldiers who played a significant role in the outcome of World War II; that is, the Filipino veterans. Too few Americans are familiar with this chapter in our Nation's history. During World War II, the military forces of the Commonwealth of the Philippines were drafted to serve in our armed forces by an Executive order of the President of the United States. Under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, they fought side-by-side with forces from the United States mainland against our common enemy. Filipino soldiers defended the American flag in the now famous battles of Bataan and Corridor. Thousands of Filipino prisoners of war died during the 65-mile Bataan death march. Those who survived were imprisoned under inhumane conditions, where they suffered casualties at the rate of up to 200 prisoners each day. They endured 4 long years of enemy occupation.”