We are about two weeks into Filipino American History Month, and several communities across America have celebrations underway.
The Filipino American National Historical Society established October as Filipino American History Month in 1988 as a month-long celebration in recognition of the history and legacy of the Filipino diasporic community in America. Several communities and organizations are taking part in the celebration.
AARP’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Community recently released an animated video summarizing the history of Filipinos in America and shining a light on their numerous and often overlooked achievements.
On Oct. 11, a Filipino food festival called Eat. Play. Move, for which food vendors highlighted signature Filipino flavors in their creative interpretations of classic Filipino cuisine, unfolded in Los Angeles.
One of the most exciting highlights of this Filipino American History Month was announced in September: Thanks to the efforts of organizations such as Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Congress will be awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino veterans of World War II in a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Members of CAPAC spoke of the importance of celebrating the legacy of Filipino Americans, honoring the Filipino vets who served in WWII and reminded us of the work still ahead, with many expressing their pride in representing districts with large APA populations.
Rep. Barbara Lee pointed out that Filipinos in America have “served proudly in our armed forces, started countless businesses and excelled in the arts and sciences.”
CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu bolstered that sentiment, saying that this October was indeed special since “later this month, [Congress] will honor Filipino and Filipino American World War II veterans by awarding them with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor that Congress can bestow.”
In addition to recognizing and celebrating the contributions and achievements of the Filipino American community, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said that CAPAC would also look ahead at the work that still needs to be done and “fight for the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act, to expedite the visa process for children of over 200,000 Filipino World War II veterans.”
