On Flag Day, June 14, 1997, thousands of Filipino veterans and supporters protested in Los Angeles for equity and social services which they’ve been denied since the 1940s. Filipino vets ranging from 70 to 90 years old chained themselves to a statue of Douglas MacArthur. For them this is all or nothing.
During World War II, Filipino soldiers fought under MacArthur, beside Americans, believing they were fighting for freedom and equality. Now many are fighting to pass House Bill 836, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act, sponsored by Democrat, Bob Filner, of San Francisco and Republican, Benjamin Gilman, of New York.
e-mailed by Cesar A. Cruz