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
“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! Continue reading “What the American Flag Means to Me”→
The Greater Seattle FANHS Chapter, Greater South Puget Sound FANHS Chapter, University of Washington FASA, Philippine Scouts Heritage Society (Capt. Jose Calugas Sr. Chapter), and the Filipino Community Alliance (FCA) sponsored an event on November 1st to honor Filipino Veterans.
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The “Salute to Filipino Veterans” event was both memorable and inspiring, highlighting the long history and continuing tradition of Filipinos serving in the American military. We salute active military members and veterans for their strength, courage, and sacrifice.
We’re going far back with this post, all the way to August of the year 2014.
This post is about you Greater Seattle FANHS, and the time we had at the Kona Kai Resort for the national conference. There was a large contingent of us from Seattle for the conference. See the Storify below to travel down summer memory lane.
Share your great memories of any past conferences in the comments section.
If you’ve enjoyed exploring our Seattle events and online posts during this Filipino American History Month, we want you to join our membership or volunteer with FANHS Greater Seattle throughout the year!
Thanks for FAHM2014 everyone! TBT posts will convert to a monthly series.
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.
“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:
From the archives of FANHS, we will listen to the oral histories of three veterans who served in the 1st & 2ndS. Army Infantry;
We will hear about one individual’s experience with the Alamo Scouts;
What role did one Filipino American have with the Farthometer/Depth Sounder;
A U.S. Army pilot will share his story as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War;
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!
In 1922 flyweight boxer Francisco Guilledo won the American Championship over Johnny Buff in Brooklyn. The knockout victory was favorably covered by the New York Times. By the summer of 1923 Guilledo became the World Champion after defeating Welsh fighter Jimmy Wilde. Guilledo was also known by his boxing name “Pancho Villa”. He is considered the first World Champion out of Asia. Throughout the 1920’s Pancho Villa’s boxing career took him through places like Australia, Boston, Chicago, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, and of course Manila.
Back then the Philippines was a U.S. Territory, and Filipinos were considered American Nationals. There was a steady flow of commerce and interaction across the Pacific. One aspect of sports history was that the “sweet science” was brought over from the Seattle area by Eddie Tait of Tacoma to the Philippines. So Filipino boxing has its origins from the Pacific Northwest. Although Tait and his partners have been characterized as proto-Don Kings or profiteers, without them Filipino boxing may have come later. From Greater Seattle: “You’re welcome Manny Pacquiao.”
Seattle Channel film of October 3 event (Memories of Washington Hall) will be shown
“Salute to Filipino American Veterans”
FANHS - Greater Seattle Chapter 