Filipino WW II Vets
on the return of Balangiga Bells to Eastern Samar
An Open Letter to the
Philippine Government, and the Filipino Community
August 7, 2015
Greetings my name is Rose
San Diego and I am a Filipina nurse assisting the Chicago Fil-Am WWII
veterans with their advocacy in obtaining the Congressional Gold Medal
along with the returning of the Balangiga Bells.
Seventy-five days ago, an
exploratory study was completed on entering a major awareness campaign
here in the Midwest region for Returning the Bells of Balangiga of
1901 back to Eastern Samar or to aggressively promote awarding to our
Filipino WWII veterans the Congressional Gold Medal, America’s highest
civilian award. It was decided to merge these dual tasks.
As a people, for centuries
we have risen above many obstacles, from being conquered by foreign
occupation and colonial rule of other countries, to severe disciplines
and atrocities brought on by WWII’s aggressions. As a nation of
determined Filipinos, we have acclaimed our independence to finally be
self sovereign. Generations of past have planted the seeds for us to
grow and make a humanitarian difference worldwide.
We are looking for
commitment from the heart and not just a promise to volunteer, for a
continued direct action approach from each Fil-Am WWII veteran and/or
their families wishing to be considered for this honor or in the
memory of those family relatives who had perished without receiving
any accolades for their service to country. Collaboration with the
Philippine Government and its agencies would be welcomed.
For further inquiries,
please feel free to contact us via email: rsunrise2@aol.com
Sincerely,
Rose San
Diego