HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 98-4688, by Representatives Veloria, Clements, Talcott, Skinner, Dickerson, Cole, Conway, Regala and Costa

      WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to honor those who engaged in heroic acts in the defense of the United States and its territories; and

      WHEREAS, Those who put their lives in harm's way do so willingly and under allegiance to the flag of the United States of America; and

      WHEREAS, For the service given to us and our country, we and the United States are eternally indebted to these gallant individuals; and

      WHEREAS, Filipinos fought alongside Americans from the earliest stages of the United States' involvement in World War II, following the Japanese bombing of the Philippines on December 8, 1941; and

      WHEREAS, The early defense of Bataan and Corregidor against a numerically superior enemy delayed the Japanese attack on areas immediately surrounding the Philippines, including Australia, Wake Island, Guam, Hawaii, and ultimately the United States mainland, until the United States and the Allied Forces could rearm and mobilize; and

      WHEREAS, An estimated one million Filipinos, not only soldiers but also citizens, men, women, and children, died while defending American territory and ideals during World War II; and

      WHEREAS, With a sense of profound gratitude, we concur with the essence and spirit of the Concurrent Resolution of both Houses of the United States Congress, recognizing the vital role of the Filipino veterans in World War II; and

      WHEREAS, We have among us today some survivors of the defense of Bataan and the Bataan Death March, as well as the family of the late Jose Calugas, Senior, the only Filipino awarded the United States Congressional Medal of Honor, who passed away on Sunday January 18, 1998;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives extend its gratitude to these heroic individuals and to their families for the service that the United States can never fully repay; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor the individuals who fought on behalf of this country and democracy, and recognize them for the service for which we are eternally thankful; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Filipino defenders of democracy and their families who are gathered here with us today.

      I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

      Resolution 4688 adopted by the House of Representatives

                         January 28, 1998.

                 ________________________________

                  Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk