Rep. Mike Honda (D-Santa Clara Valley) and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) each introduced resolutions Thursday recognizing October as Filipino American History Month.
Hirono represents the only Asian American Pacific Islander majority state in the nation and Honda represents the only AAPI majority district in the continental United States.
“Recognizing Filipino American History Month in Congress is a testament to the countless contributions that Filipino Americans have made to our country,” said Senator Hirono. “As we celebrate Filipino American heritage, we must also renew our commitment to recognizing Filipino World War II veterans for their service to our country, and continue to work toward comprehensive immigration reform that would reunite many Filipino American families.”
“When we talk about diversity strengthening the fabric of our nation, the contributions of Filipino Americans come to mind. Every day in Silicon Valley, I see evidence of the continued courage, innovation, and hard work that Filipino Americans have displayed throughout American history as labor leaders, service members, artists, and business owners,” said Rep. Honda. “As we celebrate and honor this culture, we also must take pause to recommit ourselves to reuniting Filipino veterans with their children and honoring the promises made to the WWII veterans who served side-by-side with American troops.”
Laws were passed in Congress in 2009 officially recognizing the month of October as Filipino American History Month.
The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI) and the White House Office of Public Engagement each held celebrations earlier this month.
Currently, there are nearly 3.5 million Filipino Americans. 260,000 WWII Filipino and Filipino American veterans fought under the American flag at the request of President Roosevelt.