Asian American veterans are being remembered alongside other fallen heroes this Memorial Day.
In Wisconsin, the Sheboygun Sun reports the names of 18 veterans were added today to the Lao, Hmong and American Veterans Memorial at Sheboygan’s Deland Park.
The memorial contains 24 panels to honor the sacrifices made during the U.S. Secret War in Laos during the Vietnam War.
The names added to the panels today include:
- Capt. Vang Bee
- Capt. Lo Vang Kiatoukaysy
- Capt. Saychou Lo Kiatoukaysy
- Capt. Toua Lor Kiatoukaysy
- Naikong Xiong Pao Lee
- Maj. Wangmeng S. Lee
- PFC Walong Kiatoukaysy Lo
- 2nd Lt. Chong Neng S. Lor
- 2nd Lt. Nhia Thong Lor
- Senator Moua Sue
- Capt. Ge Xiong Tou
- Lt. Bouacheng Vang
- Maj. Chongjeh Vang
- ULt. Seng V. Vang
- SGU Col. Waseng Vang
- 1st Lt. Xaichou V. Vang
- Lt. Chong Soua Vue
- Maj. Wakai Vue
In Manilla, the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines paused to recall the 17,000 Filipino and American WWII veterans buried at the Manilla and American Cemetary, reported CNN Philippines.
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The Marine Corps of both the Philippines and the United States performed the traditional 21-gun salute along with the presentation of colors.
“The sacrifices made by brave service members have left a lasting legacy and form of a very strong U.S.-Philippine alliance which has maintained peace and prosperity in this region.,” said MaryKay Carlson, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines.
Those Filipino soldiers did not receive the benefits from the U.S. government that had been promised.
“The Filipino soldiers, who fought side-by-side with the U.S. military, were promised compensation, citizenship, recognition,” said Pearl Cruz-Morrison, daughter of Retired General Antonio Cruz to Fox4.
Many of those that survived stayed in their home country or moved to the United States. The Rescission Act of 1947 revoked the compensation and recognition promised those soldiers.
Finally in 2015, more than 7 decades after the end of WWII, Filipino soldiers like General Cruz received the Congressional Gold Medal.
Many like General Cruz received their medal posthumously.
U.S. Army Capt. Francis Brown Wai played football for UCLA prior to WWII. During WWII, he landed on a beach in the Philippines and found American soldiers pinned down by machine gun fire. He led his soldiers inland, deliberately drawing fire to expose the enemy’s position. Wai died while leading that assault.
His commander recommended him for the Medal of Honor, but it was downgraded to the distinguished service cross, reports PBS. In 1996, a review was held to uncover discrimination against Asian Americans in awarding of these medals. The Defense Secretary determined Wai should receive the Medal of Honor.
President Clinton presented Wai’s family with the medal he should have received, the Medal of Honor.
“Captain Wai’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit and the United States Army,” the proclamation read.
In Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo, they held the Annual Memorial Day Service at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center on Saturday. Appropriately, it is right next to the Japanese American National War Memorial Court.
The names of Japanese Americans from all wars are engraved on the four monuments in that court.
Hubert Yoshida, who was incarcerated at Poston as a young boy but later enlisted in the Marine Corp and fought in Vietnam served as the keynote speaker.
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