“In him was vindicated the greatness of real goodness and the goodness of real greatness.” – Phillip Brooks
ON July 29, President Barack Obama signed House Resolution 4899 or the Supplemental Appropriations Act – a law which includes a provision for the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Program, allocating $67 million (about P3.1 billion) “for all eligible Filipino veterans of World War II whose claim for compensation were turned down and successfully appealed,” according to a report from Inquirer.net.
In a news release, the US embassy said that “the supplement will ensure speedy compensation to all eligible Filipino WWII veterans, including those whose denied claims are successfully appealed.”
According to Phil. Ambassador to the US Willy C. Gaa, “this is the latest acknowledgment by the United States of the great service by Filipino veterans who fought side by side with American soldiers in defense of freedom during World War II.”
“Ensuring that the sacrifices of brave Filipino WWII veterans are compensated under the terms of the law further underscores our respect for the Filipino people and our commitment to honoring their service,” said US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr.
After a long wait, more than the monetary support, vindication has finally arrived for our Filipino Veterans – the unsung heroes of World War II who have sacrificed life and limb to fight for our freedom. This is their pride and legacy.
For years, after the war, our Filipino veterans we’re fighting another battle – a struggle for recognition and honor. In the winter years of their lives (most have already passed on), it is comforting to know that our veteran heroes can finally achieve peace of mind, not just for themselves, but for the families that they will be leaving behind. (AJPress)
( www.asianjournal.com )
( Published August 4, 2010 in ASian Journal Los Angeles p. A6 )
