“Bataan was not our last battlefield.” These powerful words from Faustino “Peping” Baclig are inscribed here. They remind us of the ongoing fight for equity. Welcome to the Filipino American WWII Veterans Memorial in Los Angeles.
This monument honors the 250,000 Filipinos and 7,000 Filipino American soldiers. They fought for the United States in World War II. It’s the first monument of its kind in the country. It stands as a testament to their valor.
Unveiled in November 2006 by Eric Garcetti, the memorial’s design is by Cheri Gaulke. The Filipino American WWII Veterans Memorial tells a story. It is about struggle, patriotism, and the fight for recognition.
Notice the five black granite monoliths before you. They rise tall. Two granite benches invite reflection. These are here for you to sit and remember.
Each slab tells a piece of the Filipino American story. It begins with U.S. colonial occupation of the Philippines. The story continues through war and injustice. It ends with the veterans’ fight for honor.
Look closely. Each of the five slabs has a large letter. Together, they spell “VALOR”. The fourth slab displays an inscribed map of the Philippines.
The back of the monument shares more of the story. Inscriptions describe Filipino and Filipino American histories. These histories include colony, invasion, and sacrifice. They also include liberation, equity, and justice.
A vertical sheet of dichroic glass stands between the center monoliths. This shifts in color. It evokes an eternal flame.
“KAGITINGAN” and “VALOR” are inscribed on the two larger slabs. These words are synonymous.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt commissioned Filipinos into the U.S. armed services. This was under Gen. Douglas MacArthur. The Philippines was a U.S. commonwealth then.
After the war, Congress reneged on promises. Filipinos were denied full veterans benefits. They fought alongside Americans in tough battles.
Veterans like Faustino “Peping” Baclig fought for their rights. They chained themselves to MacArthur’s statue. They went on hunger strikes. They were arrested during protests. They fought for what they deserved.
Congress granted citizenship rights in 1990. Many elderly Filipino men immigrated to the United States.
Eric Garcetti called the memorial a token of appreciation. It recognizes their contribution to freedom.
This Filipino American WWII Veterans Memorial stands as a lasting tribute. It ensures their sacrifices are never forgotten. It’s a place for reflection. It’s a place for remembrance. It’s a place for education.