Earlier this month, US President Barrack Obama signed the $787 million stimulus bill allocating $198 million for World War II Filipino Veterans. This has served as a great victory for our former soldiers who have long-awaited to get the recognition and honor they deserve from the US Government.
As we all know from our country’s history, Filipino soldiers have fought side-by-side with the Americans during the Japanese invasion when Philippines was still under the American colony. They have suffered from great pain and aggravation during the Battle of Corregidor and Bataan Death March so as to bring freedom to our country. Unfortunately, the surviving veterans were not given the compensation due to them when more of them were still alive. Yet, we must still feel grateful and congratulate most of the living elderly veterans who still got the chance to claim their benefits.
I am a granddaughter of a WWII veteran as well. I remember the stories that my grandfather used to tell me about his experiences during the Death March. He died at the age of 72. Sadly, he will no longer be able to claim his share from the Stimulus Bill benefits. Yet, I still believe that my grandfather is very grateful wherever he is right now for this recognition as he has been an active leader of the Veterans Federation back in our hometown. We even have his soldier rifle still kept and treasured at home.
