Political Quotes

“I rise today in recognition of Filipino American History Month. Throughout the month of October, people across the United States come together to pay tribute to the rich culture, history, and heritage of Filipino Americans. Since the first permanent Filipino settlement in the United States was established more than 250 years ago, Filipino Americans have played a notable role in the development of our country. As the third largest Asian American and Pacific Islander group in the United States, Filipino Americans add to the fabric of our society through contributions in healthcare, the arts, business, journalism, and in government and military service. Filipinos and Filipino Americans have a longstanding history of serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. In 1915, Fireman Second Class Telesforo Trinidad was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism in rescuing two shipmates after a boiler explosion on board the USS San Diego. He survived and continued serving during WWI and WWII until his retirement in 1945. Today, Telesforo Trinidad holds the distinction of being the first Filipino American and the first and only Asian American in the U.S. Navy to receive a Medal of Honor. Filipino Americans have also contributed as leaders in important workers' rights and civil rights movements. In 1965, Larry Itliong, Peter Velasco, and Philip Vera Cruz led Filipino American farm workers to strike, demanding better pay, benefits, and working conditions.…”