DUMP the LUMP SUM: HONOR YOUR PROMISES

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Jenah Yangwas, Student Action for Veterans Equity 415.505.0620Mark Cervantes, Student Action for Veterans Equity 415.713.4690

DUMP the LUMP SUM: HONOR YOUR PROMISES

Filipino World War II Veterans Deserve Equal Treatment
On Monday, September 22, 2008, the House approved HR 6897 which granted a one time lump sum to Filipino World War II Veterans for their service under the United States flag as follows: $15,000 to Filipino War II Veterans with U.S. citizenship and $9,000 to Filipino World War Veterans without U.S. citizenship. Thereafter legislators incorporated such lump sum provisions as part of the Continuing Resolution currently pending before the Senate. Community leaders, dedicated advocates, devout members of the faith community, concerned citizens, teachers, union members, various community groups, social and legal workers, youth, as well as many of the veterans themselves have been outraged by these latest developments given that the menial lump sum simply adds insult to injury. One veteran, Celestino Almeda, a 91 year old Filipino WWII veteran, recently explained to media that “accepting the payment without being recognized by the U.S. government as a valiant soldier who fought alongside American troops during World War II would make him a ‘mercenary’.” Mr. Almeda further explained “I cannot sell my soul.” This collective disdain has been echoed by many who believe in equal treatment for the Filipino WWII veterans including widower, Adela Cardenas, as she characterized this bill as being “so degrading”. 62 years of injustice cannot be rectified by granting one lump sum. As a united voice, we demand that THE SENATE DUMP THE LUMP SUM provided under the Continuing Resolution! HONOR Your Promise! RESTORE the promised benefits and status to the Filipino WWII veterans! RECOGNIZE the Filipino WWII Veterans’ valiant service under the U.S. Flag!