Neil Abercrombie: “I rise in support for enactment of House Resolution 404, regarding relations between the people of the United States and…”

“I rise in support for enactment of House Resolution 404, regarding relations between the people of the United States and those of the Philippines. It is significant that we enact the resolution to salute and congratulate the Philippines on the 100th anniversary of its independence from Spain and its achievement of the establishment of its democracy. It is also noteworthy that the resolution also thanks the Philippines for aiding the U.S. in World War II, the Korean War and in Vietnam. It underscores the need for Congress to enact the Filipino Veterans Equity Act to extend full veterans benefits to Filipino soldiers who fought along side U.S. soldiers in World War II. Mr. Speaker, approximately 200,000 Filipino soldiers were under the command of General Douglas MacArthur during the early months of World War II. During that period, our armed forces in the Philippines were isolated from food, medical and ammunition supplies. Filipino soldiers displayed exemplary loyalty and courage in the defense of their nation and fought in every major battle, including Bataan and Corregidor.”