NAFVE SALUTES VETERANS ON MEMORIAL DAY

NAFVE SALUTES VETERANS ON MEMORIAL DAY

Posted by ramiele-malubay on May 27, 2008, 12:15 am

NAFVE SALUTES VETERANS ON MEMORIAL DAY; CONTINUES CAMPAIGN TO SECURE PASSAGE OF FILIPINO WWII VETERANS LEGISLATION National Coalition Affirms Commitment to Filipino Veterans Legislation, Issues Action Alert during Congressional Memorial Day Recess Washington, DC- The National Alliance for Filipino Veterans Equity (NAFVE) marks Memorial Day this weekend by recognizing the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have served and are serving our country in our military. NAFVE's support for all soldiers past and present who put on the uniform comes as it continues its push to pass legislation for Filipino WWII veterans this year. "NAFVE and its members stand in solidarity with the chorus of voices around the country calling for passage of this important legislation, " said NAFVE Co-Chair Jon Melegrito. "In partnership with the Filipino community nationwide, and our allies who are joining our campaign, we are working in unison to pass Filipino WWII veterans in this Congress." During the week of Memorial Day, members of the House of Representatives will be in their local districts. NAFVE is encouraging its members and allies to approach their members directly in their localities and talk to them about the importance of this bill. In Washington, DC, NAFVE continues to talk to members of Congress and their staff on both sides of the aisle. "NAFVE is committed to working with our champions and supporters in the House of Representatives to convey the urgency of our communities on this issue," said Lillian Galedo, NAFVE Co-Chair. "House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Assistant to the Speaker Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Mike Honda (D-CA) and Republican champion Representative Darrell Issa (R-C) and their staffs have been working with us to make sure that this bill is able to move forward with a solid strategy for success. With Memorial Day upon us and June 12 as Philippine Independence Day nearing, we urge Congress to pass this bill without delay." "We have always known that the key to this bill's passage is securing a bipartisan majority," said Ben de Guzman, NAFVE Co-Chair. "During this Memorial Day recess, our strategy includes mobilizing our partners in the field while we push from Washington, DC. There is opposition to this bill, so it will be important that we all continue our efforts until our job on behalf of our veterans is done." NAFVE's Action Alert to its members is included below. The National Alliance represents over 20 local, national and international organizations committed to securing full equity for Filipino World War II Veterans. All the groups have been part of a 60-year campaign to restore to Filipino WWII veterans their rightful claim to U.S. veterans' status and recognition for their bravery in defending the United States during WWII. More information is available online at www.nafve.org or via e-mail at nafve2007@gmail. com. PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 26, 2008 Contact: Ben de Guzman 202.422.4909 Perry Diaz 916.691.6642 Jon Melegrito 202.361.0296 www.nafve.org (Web site) nafve2007@gmail. com