I am still in the middle of writing my article for the magazine about the Philippine Independence Day Celebration (which from hereon out I would mention as PIDC, such long words to type every single time) I attended last week at ASU West. Indeed, the Filipino community on the west side is strong: a fact I truly admire and where I continue to hope that that same magnitude will eventually spread here in southeastern AZ.
Anyway, trying not to stray away from my main point, I was doing some research about certain parts of the event by net surfing and I eventually stumbled upon this particular statement made by President Barack Obama. At first I thought he released this just recently since yesterday was the official PIDC, June 12. But then it was dated the year 2008. Even though, I decided to post it here for everyone's appreciation. I just found it amusing how the then-president-to-be thought of reaching out to the Asian American population, the Filipino community in particular, on a certain day that is very dear to you, me, and to my grandfather who was a veteran. Sad to say, before I got to know him and be capable of hearing his stories during the war, he passed away. My memories of him merely belong to that brown cane he used to wander around their house's terrace and look at the beautiful orchids my grandma keenly tended.
Just a side note: I tried to look if the President released a statement for 2009. I cannot find any on the web. If you find it, kindly share it here. If there's none, well, I just had a thought. Let us read each other's minds.
Source: My Barack Obama
So, Happy Independence Day Philippines! As they say, "Home is where the heart is," and wherever I may be now or in the future years of my life, my heart always belonged to one home which I spent practically 19 memorable years of my existence.
Anyway, trying not to stray away from my main point, I was doing some research about certain parts of the event by net surfing and I eventually stumbled upon this particular statement made by President Barack Obama. At first I thought he released this just recently since yesterday was the official PIDC, June 12. But then it was dated the year 2008. Even though, I decided to post it here for everyone's appreciation. I just found it amusing how the then-president-to-be thought of reaching out to the Asian American population, the Filipino community in particular, on a certain day that is very dear to you, me, and to my grandfather who was a veteran. Sad to say, before I got to know him and be capable of hearing his stories during the war, he passed away. My memories of him merely belong to that brown cane he used to wander around their house's terrace and look at the beautiful orchids my grandma keenly tended.
Just a side note: I tried to look if the President released a statement for 2009. I cannot find any on the web. If you find it, kindly share it here. If there's none, well, I just had a thought. Let us read each other's minds.
Obama's Statement on Philippine Independence Day
Chicago, IL -- Senator Obama released the following statement today on Philippine Independence Day. "After hundreds of years of struggle for independence, the Filipino people declared their independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, and the first Philippine republic was born.
“The Philippines has been a staunch partner of the United States through the Cold War and the war against terrorism. In part because of our shared history, we cannot ignore the fact that the Philippines continues to confront many difficult challenges, including persistent poverty, natural disasters, and political division. But as a nation rich in natural and human resources, with a proud legacy as the first democracy in Asia, the Philippines also holds great opportunities and hope for the future. An ongoing challenge of the 21st century will be to ensure that these opportunities to make a better life are open to all. I look forward to working with the Filipino people and their government, as part of the global community, to combat poverty and generate wealth, build healthy and educated communities, and change the odds for generations to come.”
"Particularly important to note on this day is the continuing struggle of Filipino World War II veterans to receive the veterans benefits they rightfully deserve. During World War II, Filipino and American troops fought bravely together under some of the most trying conditions suffered by any forces during that conflict, forging a historic bond between our two nations and their people. Filipinos displayed great courage alongside American soldiers at Bataan and Corregidor, only to be denied their just benefits by our government. The Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 would honor the service of all U.S. veterans, including these Filipino World War II heroes. The Senate passed this bill last April. I urge my colleagues in Congress to take note of this day to honor the heroic service of Filipino World War II veterans by finally turning this important legislation into law.
"On this anniversary, we also must recognize the enormous contributions of generations of Filipino immigrants to building a more vibrant United States of America. Indeed, more than 60 years after World War II, Filipino-Americans continue to serve brilliantly and bravely as members of our fighting forces. I grew up in Hawaii, where Filipinos have had an enormous positive impact on the culture and economy. As dedicated military and civil servants, lawyers and bankers, artists, engineers and entrepreneurs, agricultural and industrial laborers, healthcare providers and customer service workers, caretakers for our elderly and youth, Filipino Americans—4 million strong—have enriched our country, embodied our nation's highest ideals, and reflected the very best that the Philippines has to offer.
"Today, I extend my warm wishes to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the people of the Philippines. Let us join with Filipinos worldwide and Filipino Americans to celebrate Philippine Independence Day. Mabuhay!"
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2008
Obama Press Office
Source: My Barack Obama
So, Happy Independence Day Philippines! As they say, "Home is where the heart is," and wherever I may be now or in the future years of my life, my heart always belonged to one home which I spent practically 19 memorable years of my existence.
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