Recognizing the month of October 2024 as Filipino American History Month and celebrating the history and culture of Filipino Americans and their immense contributions to the United States.

Legislation Details

Recognizes October 2024 as Filipino American History Month.
Celebrates the history and culture of Filipino Americans and their contributions to the U.S.
Notes the earliest documented Filipino presence in the U.S. dates back to October 18, 1587.
Acknowledges the establishment of the first permanent Filipino settlement in 1763 in St. Malo, Louisiana.
Highlights the Filipino American community as the third largest Asian American group in the U.S., with approximately 4.5 million members.
Mentions a 78% growth in the Filipino American community from 2000 to 2019.
Recognizes the service of Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces from the Civil War to recent conflicts.
States that over 250,000 Filipinos fought in World War II and faced challenges regarding veterans’ benefits.
Notes the granting of U.S. citizenship to 26,000 Filipino World War II veterans through the Immigration Act of 1990.
Highlights efforts to recognize October as Filipino American History Month since 1991.
Mentions the establishment of the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund in 2009.
Recognizes the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Filipino World War II veterans in 2017.
Acknowledges notable Filipino Americans in various fields, including public service, labor movements, sports, and healthcare.
Emphasizes the importance of promoting Filipino American history and culture in education.
Urges the public to observe Filipino American History Month with appropriate programs and activities.