MANILA, Philippines — United States President Barack Obama on Tuesday hailed the Filipinos who fought with American soldiers during the Second World War.
In his speech in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, Obama recognized the "extraordinary veterans" who fought in Bataan and Corregidor for their services to the Philippines and the US.
"The heroic struggle brought out the best in the Filipino character in the face of adversity and served as a beacon to freedom-loving peoples everywhere," Obama said in his televised speech before the Filipino and American soldiers.
But Obama made special mention of 94-year-old Carolina Garcia Delfin, a nurse who also fought in the resistance against Japanese forces and helped wounded Filipino and American troops.
"These veterans are now in their nineties. They are an inspiration to us all, and I’d ask those who can stand to stand or give a wave so that we can all salute their service," Obama said.
Obama shook hands with several veterans and soldiers present at the event. Among those whom he first approached was Delfin, who was even kissed by the American leader.
Obama also honored the Filipino and American soldiers who worked together in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda to rescue survivors and help the disaster victims.
"The spirit of these veterans, their strength, their solidarity, I see it in you as well," Aquino told the troops.
Veterans' compensation
In his speech, Obama also lamented his nation's "injustice" towards Filipino war veterans for being denied compensation promised by the US government.
"Sadly, the proud service of many of these Filipino veterans was never fully recognized by the United States. Many were denied the compensation they had been promised. It was an injustice,†he said.
But Obama said his administration has been working with Congress to correct this. After passing a law, reviewing records and processing claims, he said nearly 20,000 Filipino veterans and their families finally received the compensation.
After the event, Obama proceeded to the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, also in Fort Bonifacio, to pay his respects to Americans and Filipinos who were killed in the war.