World War II Filipino veterans were the only ethnic group denied benefits due to the Rescission Act of 1946 and the change in their immigration status from U.S. citizens to U.S. nationals. These veterans were forgotten by the U.S. government, and largely, are forgotten in the pages of history books.

With every passing year, we have fewer remaining Filipino World War II veterans who deserve to have their courageous feats on record along with the American soldiers they served with side by side.

While only Congress can rectify the issue of veterans’ benefits, the California Legislature can help ensure that our children and future generations learn of the contributions and sacrifices made by these brave Filipino soldiers.

The Assembly 199 (AB 199) encourages the Legislature that instruction in social sciences includes the role of Filipinos in World War II. Specifically, the bill would encourage instruction to include a component drawn from personal testimony, especially in the form of oral or video histories of Filipinos who were involved in World War II and those men and women who contributed to the war effort on the home front.