Filipino Veterans of World War II Honored in New York

Consul General Claro S. Cristobal (2nd row standing, 3rd L-R) and Major General Antonio Taguba (ret., 2nd row standing, 4th L-R) with Captain Pablo Barros (seated 2nd L-R), surviving World War II veteran, and family members of other veterans who received the Congressional Gold Medal Award on 08 September 2018 at the Philippine Center in New York. (Photo by Lambert Parong)

NEW YORK 17 September 2018 — Fifteen Filipino World War II veterans were honored in a ceremony organized by the Philippine Consulate General in New York, headed by Consul General Claro S. Cristobal and the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP) led by General Antonio Taguba (ret.), held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center on 08 September 2018.

Captain Pablo Barros, surviving WW II veteran, and the family of 14 other veterans received a US Mint replica of the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) awarded by the US Congress to Filipino veterans of WW II.

The following veterans were the recipients of the CGM: Major Jose Falco, Abelardo Perucho Andal Santiago Hipolito, Filemon T. Magracia, Andres S. Friginal, Moises M. Santos, Romeo Guitterez, Leopoldo T. Osano, Capt. Pablo Barros, Mario J. Valdeavella, Fidel A. Ansay, Jaime B. Aban, Avelino Tanjutco, Jacobo Tanjutco, and Ramon Pelaez Sobrepeña

They also received a copy of Public Law 114-265 otherwise known as the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015.

In his remarks, Consul General Cristobal expressed his most profound gratitude to the Filipino Veterans of World War II for the extreme sacrifices and bravery they unselfishly showed to protect freedom and democracy.   

"We and the generations of Filipinos to come owe you our thanks and respect.  Because of you, we are able to enjoy the fruits of progress, freedom and democracy," the Consul General Cristobal said.

He likewise thanked the family members of veterans who have passed or unable to attend the ceremony.  He assured them that their services to the Philippines and the Filipino people will never be forgotten.

The Consul General acknowledged the efforts of General Taguba, the FilVetREP, and all those who lobbied and supported the passage of the bill in the US Senate and House of Representatives, particularly those in the US Northeast. 

The law brought into fruition the efforts of various groups in the Fil-Am Community and the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the US led by the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC. 

General Taguba said that FilVetREP has conducted 44 awarding ceremonies across the US since October 2017 when the lone Congressional Gold Medal was presented and collectively awarded by the US Congress. 

He said that the group is now developing a program that will educate the public on the historic importance of the contributions of Filipino veterans during World War II.

Filipino World War II veterans or members of their family who have not received the award may get in touch with FilVetREP through their website: http://filvetrep.org

Consul General Cristobal (2nd R-L) and General Taguba (1st R-L) present the CGM to Capt. Pablo Barros (3rd R-L). (Photo by New York PCG)

Consul General Cristobal (center), General Taguba (1st R-L) and Consul Arman R. Talbo (3rd R-L) discuss the CGM in a meeting before the awarding ceremony. (Photo by FilVetREP)

For more information, visit www.newyorkpcg.dfa.gov.ph/ www.newyorkpcg.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNY/ END