Making Things Right: The Story of the Filipino Veterans

During World War II, over 250,000 Filipino soldiers fought side by side with American soldiers in an effort to end the war. In return, they were promised full benefits and equal veteran status just like their American counterparts. Shortly after the war though, Congress passed an act which stripped the Filipino veterans of their benefits. They have been fighting for them ever since. In 2009 as part of Barack Obama's stimulus package, a small lump sum will go to the surviving veterans, who are now in their 80's and 90's. The money comes too little too late, and the most important thing we can do now is honor these veterans' brave sacrifices.

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[quickzilver333]

The Philippines is a teritory of the USA then. They were "PROMISE" that they will be considered as US Citizens. They wore The USA Military uniform sworn an OATH OF ALLIGIANCE to the USA and it's people. Research: US ARMY FILIPINO SCOUTS the US ARMY elite force in the pacific and even one member recived THE USA MILITARY MEDAL OF HONOR. Research: 442nd Infantry regiment and 100th Battalion in WWII the most decorated Unit in US military history.You will be surprise who they were. JAPANESE/AMERICAN

[hcasperson]

I don't quite understand why WE should pay them a pension for liberating their OWN country, what about our grandfathers who gave their lives to liberate them?

[styricpriestess]

They fought the war side by side with US soldiers! Please give credit where credit is due dammit! When the U.S. entered World War II, the Philippines was a territory of the U.S. Filipino soldiers fought for the U.S.; however, Filipino soldiers and their survivors did not enjoy the same benefits as other soldiers and their contributions to the war effort are largely unrecognized.

[darlan1964]

“Even if the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was signed into law, the American government remains accountable of their deficits to their Filipino counterparts - by committing deliberate delay in the recognition of deserving Filipino guerillas who fought under the USAFFE - it is also ironic for their government for snoring 65 long years to elect an Afro-American president that will pick up the mess of the World War II in the Far East”.”

— Darlan Palencia Barcelon

[makbesario]

Japanese WERE Evil, but not now in this generation, it;s never to late to forgive them but at least what happened in Japan last March is Karma. Now we are the one who are helping Japan to rebuild their country.

[quickzilver333]

This is the same treatment the Japanese/American soldiers received after they gave their lives for the American Flag. Even today you can hardly see any minority especially Asian American recognize as an American hero. The 442nd Infantry Regiment of the US Army is the most decorated Unit in the entire US military history even today. They were all Japanese/Americans. Filipino Veterans of WWII deserve the same recognition as American Heroes!!!

[trmble6]

The japanese are evil...the filipino guerilla was made to restore honor and glory to the republic...MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS

[kamillesantos]

My lolo was one of the soldiers who survived the DEATH MARCH. He volunteered as a cook to escape from Japs tortures. At night when the japs are asleep, he will give food to those who are inside the prison.they would carry their co-soldiers who falls alongt the march to save them from Jap's deadly bayonetas. These are the untold stories that werent told in the books. My lolo is now 93 years old. His name was placed at Bataan. JUAN L. MONREAL- HERO Death March

[watatapota]

this just break my heart i cant express my feeling about this ..

im proud to be filipino

[Nite1218]

I just wanna ask something about the benefits for all the "gerilya" who fought during the war of american and filipino?Is there any money that the government can give for them?my grandfather he is 80 years old,he is sick but he still alive.Until now we didn't know who's the one who will help us to process his benefits and we really don't know the procedure..hope there's someone who can help us atleast from the philippine government..he needs it very bad...thanks