Catherine Bryant, President
Greater Seattle Chapter of FANHS
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/60s-valentine-dance-by-greater-seattle-fanhs-tickets-30412577839
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/60s-valentine-dance-by-greater-seattle-fanhs-tickets-30412577839
12/01/21016
by Greater Seattle Chapter of Filipino American National Historical Society
US Congress Approves Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino WWII Veterans
It is with great respect and admiration that we congratulate the Filipino Veterans of World War II on receiving House approval for the Congressional Gold Medal on 11/30/2016. President Obama will be receiving the bill for signature soon. Over 70 years were lost waiting for recognition of their military service. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest award the U.S. can bestow. This is a partial vindication of history for Filipino Veterans who served the United States and lost their veterans benefits in the Rescission Act of 1946. Over 250,000 soldiers in the U.S. Territorial Philippines answered the call to arms serving under American command. Additionally, 16,000 Filipino Americans enlisted in the U.S. and the 1st & 2nd Filipino American Infantry Regiments were formed in California. This medal is a new historical landmark for WWII Filipino and Filipino American Veterans who answered the call to arms in California, the Philippines, and across the U.S.
U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who sponsored the Congressional Gold Medal Award legislation in the House, congratulates Filipino World War II veteran Rudy Panaglima following passage of the Congressional Gold Medal bill. (Photo courtesy of Rep. Gabbard’s Office).
Greater Seattle FANHS echoes the sentiments made by Congressional sponsors that this honor affirms courage and sacrifice made by Filipinos. Seattle also recognizes the hard work in realizing this achievement by all the people involved in the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project. We recognize the gallantry of past soldiers who could not witness this award, and we salute the 7,000 remaining veterans who are still with us.
The sacrifice of Filipino WWII Veterans has been an unsung story that will no longer be overlooked. Their military efforts are a contribution to American history that will be seen with distinction and achievement. The Seattle chapter would like to recognize a few Filipino American WWII heroes who are still with us in the Pacific Northwest: Florentino Ceniza, Dan Figuracion, Escolastico Galarosa, Joe Taton. Other heroes will be recognized posthumously with multiple awards being issued in the Seattle area. We look forward to future honors and ceremonies in celebration of them.
The Veteran’s registry for inclusion in the Congressional Gold Medal award will remain open until December 30th, 2016. Submit the name and any supporting documentation of military enlistment to www.filvetrep.org if you do know of an eligible Filipino WWII Veteran.
Sincere thanks and congratulations,
Greater Seattle Chapter FANHS
Did you shop Black Friday? Order on Cyber Monday? Well its time to donate for Giving Tuesday! (Square Payments link)
Help support Greater Seattle FANHS with an end of the year #GivingTuesday donation. Your giving supports us to conduct more events and historical efforts in the Seattle area. Learn more at our video, and donate at the link below.
https://vimeo.com/180641303/85ce89b564
The Filipino Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest (http://www.fccpnw.com/) commissioned Pereda Yano Productions to produce a short video for its celebration of Filipino American History Month on October 6th. The FCCPNW President Tony Ogilvie wanted to highlight the history and legacy of Filipino Americans in Washington State. With permission from Dr. Dorothy Cordova, Founder/Executive Director of Filipino American National Historical Society, we showcased archival images from the FANHS collection to give a historical overview of Filipino Americans in Washington State. The Honorable Dolores Sibonga narrates OUR story in this 8-minute video.
We are deeply saddened and grieving for the loss of one of our own. Uncle Bob Santos was an icon to Filipino Americans and a hero to people seeking social justice. The Greater Seattle Chapter of the Filipino American National Historical Society extends its deepest sympathies to his family and our extended community. We are with you during this time in heart and soul. Robert Santos has been a history maker in Civil Rights, Filipino America, and champion for multiple communities – especially Seattle’s International District. FANHS will continue to memorialize Uncle Bob’s history and his many achievements.
In October 2015 Uncle Bob received the Julita & Silvestre Tangalan FANHS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD from FANHS National.
Condolences via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/jastengco/status/770299167629512704
https://twitter.com/Pure_Cromulence/status/770329652090908672
FANHS Seattle screened “Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the United Farmworkers” Hing Hay Coworks on 05/19/2016. We were honored to have in attendance Emmy Award Winning Director Marissa Aroy, Richard Gurtiza, and Rey Pascua. Our attendees spanned generations from young to old, and reached across the ethnic diversity of Seattle. We are proud to have shared a Filipino narrative of American labor history with our community for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Through education and collaboration we are achieving inclusion and unity in our historical efforts.
Thank you! – Project Lead, Devin Israel Cabanilla MBA
Music Video Recap with music from DAKILA – “Makibaka”
Event Photography by Joel Aguiar with Media4Movement.
Special Guests will be: Director Marissa Aroy, Larry Itliong’s friend Rey Pascua, and union activist Richard Gurtiza.
Our screening will bring together Asian American film-makers, Asian American historians, and Larry Itliong’s personal friends to discuss and relate their experiences to the larger community. Delano Manongs Director Marissa Aroy will be present to share her vision on the creative process of filming. Never before heard commentary will come from activist Rey Pascua who travelled to Delano in his youth to work with Filipino Labor leaders. Richard Gurtiza will also be on our panel to illuminate the Seattle relationships with Filipino American labor.
The event will take place at the Hing Hay Coworks, a new community and entrepreneurial space from SCIDPDA located in the heart of Chinatown-International District.
Through the film screening, artist presentations, speaking panel, and community discussion we will increase awareness and collective community growth that will bring interaction across Seattle in the Asian Pacific American communities.
Thanks to our Sponsors & Partners: Office of Arts & Culture Seattle, Columbia Legal Services , The Alaskeros Foundation , Kalsada Coffee, Hood Famous Bakeshop, Hing Hay Coworks, and Nate’s Wings & Waffles.