FANHS Seattle News About Events

What the American Flag Means to Me

Today’s short essay by Michelle Burge brings an example of constant elements in Filipino American culture that can sustain and strengthen us.  Some of us see the modern world as changing frenetically. People too seem to be rapidly changing. In a tech connected world we still have cultural symbols and artifacts to hold and ground us.  We can be humanly connected through these symbols, their history and our personal relationships as well. Resting on the American flag is something to be remembered.  Michelle wrote her essay thirteen years ago on the flag. It still waves relevantly today with the many struggles and ideals that people desire for being American.
– FANHS Seattle

Flags_national mall

“What the American Flag Means to Me”

I was born on Flag Day, 38 years ago.  The American Flag represents many things to me.  I remember being little and asking my mother why the flags were out on my birthday.  Her answer, “they know it’s your birthday and they want to celebrate”.  Shortly thereafter, I learned the truth.  However, I still have that child-like wonder when I see the flag flying high on June 14!
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FANHS Seattle News About Events

Salute to Filipino American Veterans: November 1, 2014, 12-5pm.

During the month of November, the United States celebrates Veterans Day. In the spirit of this holiday, we honor and remember our Filipino American veterans on Saturday, November 1st.

MV5BMjE4MzA1OTYzMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwOTU0MTc5NQ@@._V1__SX1376_SY726_“Salute to Filipino American Veterans”
UW Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center
3931 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Seattle, WA
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Noon – 5:00 pm

A special showing of Forgotten Soldiers. This feature-length documentary movie tells the story of the U.S. Army’s Philippine Scouts and the terrible ordeal they and their comrades suffered on Bataan and Corregidor during World War II including the Bataan Death March, Japanese prison camps, and guerrilla warfare in the Philippines. Producer/Director Donald Plata will be on hand to introduce the movie.

Prior to the film, we will hear presentations from individuals who served in the various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces during the different wars that have occurred since the early 1940’s. Just to highlight a few:

  1. From the archives of FANHS, we will listen to the oral histories of three veterans who served in the 1st & 2ndS. Army Infantry;
  2.  We will hear about one individual’s experience with the Alamo Scouts;
  3.  What role did one Filipino American have with the Farthometer/Depth Sounder;
  4.  A U.S. Army pilot will share his story as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War;
  5.  Special guest, Ret. Brigadier General Oscar Hilman.

Refreshments and food will be provided. Admission is free to the public. Please join us to listen and learn about the military contributions and accomplishments of Filipino Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces.

For additional information, contact Catherine Bryant, Greater Seattle Chapter of FANHS (206) 947-3180 or Zenaida Slemp, Philippine Scouts Heritage Society, at (253) 921-5788.

Program Sponsored By

  • The Filipino American Student Association (FASA) at the University of Washington
  • Greater Seattle Chapter of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS)
  • Greater South Puget Sound FANHS Chapter
  • Philippine Scout Heritage Society – Jose Calugus Sr. Chapter
  • Filipino Community Alliance (FCA)

Spread the word: please print flyer (PDF) below and distribute. Thanks!

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Flyer to “Salute to Fil Am Veterans” Event

FANHS Seattle News About Events

Filipino American National History Month 2014

Today is the start of Filipino American History Month. The roots of this annual celebration run deep in Seattle. The Seattle-based FANHS National board and trustees voted to establish October as Filipino American National Historical Month in 1988. Since 1991, FANHS National and chapters have coordinated events to celebrate the historical contribution of those of Filipino heritage to American history.

FANHS National has two events to kick-off the month-long celebration.

Friday, October 3rd, 6:00pm. Thank God I’m Filipino Lecture, “Growing Up Brown: Memories of Washington Hall.” Washington Hall, 153 14th Avenue Seattle, Washington 98122.
Free event.

Come hear stories of how Washington Hall was more than a building, it was a vibrant community. From the 1930s to the 1960s, Filipino families and organizations gathered at Washington Hall regularly for dances, events, and family occasions.

Saturday, October 4th, 6:30 pm. Dinner & Program FANHS Pioneering Family Reunion: Growing Up Brown 1945 to 1970. Immaculate Conception Auditorium, 820 18th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122.
Tickets: $25.

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FANHS Seattle News About Projects

Filipino American Historical Cookbook project

This year FANHS Seattle will publish a cookbook featuring the history of Filipinos in Seattle and the food we love to eat. From the pensionados, Alaskeros, to post-1965 professionals, family recipes transformed and new dishes integrated into the family cookbook.  We will be collecting stories that illustrate how family meals represent the Filipino American experience in Seattle.

More information to come.

FANHS Seattle News About Events

Greater Seattle FANHS members attend FANHS 2014 National Conference

Approximately 32 conference delegates from Greater Seattle attended the FANHS National Conference in San Diego, CA. The 2014 conference theme is “KAPWA: Moving Forward in Unity.”  KAPWA: Moving Forward in Unity is meant to encourage Filipino Americans to develop a collective consciousness and work together on issues that benefit not only the Filipino community but the community at large. Seattle was also well represented in the FANHS program.


Video by Mary Joyce York Caballes highlighting the conference

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