The Metropolitan King County Council today passed a motion asking the U.S. Congress and President George W. Bush to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of the more than 200,000 Filipino soldiers who fought for this country during World War II by granting them full veteran status and military benefits.

“It is time for this country to fulfill a 60-year-old promise,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett, prime sponsor of the motion urging Congress to act on the Filipino Veterans Equity Bill and for the President to issue an Executive Order granting family members of World War II Filipino American Veterans status U.S. citizens. “These men, who were recognized by General Douglas MacArthur for their role in winning the war in the Pacific, are still fighting. Now their fight is to receive the same benefits as the soldiers they fought next to.”

“Those who fought in World War II as part of our ‘Greatest Generation,’ are dwindling in number. We need to act before these brave men are no longer able to receive the benefits they earned through their sacrifice,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips. “Congress still has time to right a historic wrong. I hope they act before it’s too late.”

The motion urges Congress to repeal the 1946 Rescission Act, which specifically mandated that services rendered by the over 200,000 members of the Philippines Commonwealth Army and the Special Philippines Scouts “shall not be deemed active military, naval or air service for the purposes of any law of the U.S.” — thereby denying all their rights as veterans.

“These men fought for this country even though they were not citizens of this country. They deserve the same recognition and full veterans benefits that were received by the veterans of 66 other countries who fought for the U.S. during the war,” said Councilmember Dwight Pelz. “The idea that these men, now in their 80's and 90’s, have to continue to fight for equity is unconscionable.”

“This country—during the greatest armed conflict of the last century—asked these men to make the ultimate sacrifice, with the promise that America would recognize that sacrifice,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson. “We have turned our back on these veterans, and in doing so we denigrate that sacrifice. It’s time for Congress to repay them for their service and dedication to our country by helping them to preserve their dignity and maintain their health and wellness.”

“In our pledge of allegiance we vow to pursue liberty and justice for all,” said Councilmember Jane Hague. “This motion seeks justice for our WW II Filipino Veterans. There's no reason to stop short of righting this wrong.”

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system.
Type in "2005-0417"