HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2018-4675, by Representative Chandler

WHEREAS, The earliest documented proof of Filipino presence in the continental United States was on October 18, 1587, and they have contributed to the cultural, economic, social, and political life of the state of Washington, the Pacific Northwest, and the entire country; and

WHEREAS, The United States Congress, in 2016, passed the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015, now enshrined as Public Law 114-265; and

WHEREAS, On October 25, 2017, the United States Congress held a national celebration in Washington, D.C., where for the first time, they recognized the service and sacrifice of Filipino and American veterans of World War II who fought under active status in the Far East, and awarded the United States Congressional Gold Medal to the veterans or their surviving families; and

WHEREAS, The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian awards bestowed by the United States, and represents a public expression of the U.S. Congress' gratitude on behalf of the nation for the distinguished contributions of 260,000 Filipino soldiers and guerrillas during World War II in the Philippines; and

WHEREAS, The recognition and celebration of these Filipino and American heroes is continuing, defined by the work of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project Region 8, the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, other Filipino American organizations, and others, in awarding the Gold Medals to eligible veterans; and

WHEREAS, The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project Region 8 has set ceremonies in Olympia on April 14, 2018, and in Renton on April 15, 2018, to recognize Filipino and American Veterans of World War II for the states of Washington, Alaska, Idaho, and Oregon;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives congratulate the recipients of the medal, honor and thank them for their service to our country and encourage all Washingtonians to join in celebration of these American heroes.