It’s not too late to apply for a Congressional Gold Medal if you’re a Chinese American veterans from WWII or related to one. Descendants who apply can receive the medal on behalf of their late loved one.
The Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project is leading a national campaign to honor and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Chinese American Veterans of WWII with the Congressional Gold Medal.
While the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) Ceremony in Washington, DC, was originally to be held in Fall 2019, the Recognition Project team has reported that the ceremony will be held in Spring, 2020.
Over 20,000 Chinese Americans were estimated to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, despite the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act still being in effect at the beginning of the war.
Following years of advocacy, bi-partisan legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for the passage of the Chinese American World War II Veteran Congressional Gold Medal on May 4, 2017. The bill was later signed into law by President Trump on December 20, 2018.
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Filipino WWII veterans who fought on behalf of the U.S. were also honored with a Congressional Gold Medal after legislation was unanimously passed through Congress and signed into law by President Obama in December 2016.
The law requires that after being awarded to the Chinese American veterans for their dedicated service, the medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution, which will display it for the public education of wartime history and service of Chinese American veterans.
Recipients will receive a replica of the medal.
Applications are being accepted here.
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