JFAV Rally: Justice for Filipino-American Veterans
There was a rally in historic Filipinotown today. Originally, I was supposed to read to elementary kids that same morning, but then I decided that I could read to little kids anytime, but how often could I support the filipino-american veterans, our lolos, of WWII?
On the way to Filipinotown, I had no idea what to expect. Once we got there and I saw the veterans in their uniforms, all decked out with their medals, i knew i had made the right decision in coming. Seeing them made me miss my lolos, God rest their souls. A lot of schools came out to support, as well as the surrounding community. There were some politicians and speakers, but I think the only one i really listened to was one of the veterans. As he spoke about his experience in the war, and the injustices he experienced afterwards, my heart ached for all of them. i could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. after everyone finished speaking, they unveiled a memorial for the veterans. i was glad that they were finally getting recognition. but at the same time, it makes me sad that it took this long. i was never too keen on history and politics, so when the speakers talked about bills and government policy on the benefits for the veterans, it made me wish i knew more about it. but basically, the filipino=american veterans' service during the war was noted as inactive, making them not-eligible for the same benefits that american veterans got. and it's for those reasons that we continue the struggle today, to fight for justice and equity. these issues never really hit so close to home before. as i listened to them speak about the history, it made me upset like things like this could happen. after the unveiling, we marched in the streets of filipinotown, shouting chants like..
what do we want? JUSTICE
when do we want it? NOW
don't say no-no to your lolo
NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE
makibaka, huwag matakot
there was a trail of cars filled with veterans, leading the march. the students walked at the end of the train. we had signs, and drums, and flags, and megaphones. people came out of their houses and businesses to watch the rally. some waved and smiled at what we were doing. and i guess others were trying to figure it out, after all, not too many are aware of the struggles of filipino-american veterans. but thats why we were out there in the streets. thats why we got up early. thats why a memorial was built. thats why we made so much noise. thats why i was there. i could only imagine what it was like for them... to serve a country in the war, to fight alongside the american troops; and then not receive the same treatment after the war. to fight the same fight, and then have your service called inactive. what pulled my heartstrings was that they werent just war veterans, they were our lolos. their bravery and courage should be honored and respected. they did receive purple hearts, and other badges of honor. what i dont understand is how their service could be seen as inactive. seeing the memorial was really emotional for me. i felt so many mixed feelings: sadness, for those who died fighting; anger, at the inequality; pride, in being filipino.
on the memorial, it said:
Bataan was not our last battlefield, We are still fighting for equity.
--- its moments like those that make life worth living. fighting for a good cause. being proud of your heritage, and raising some cultural awareness. i dont know if its just me, but rarely do i feel like what i'm doing with my life is actually important. but today i felt like i was being a part of something greater. i know i can easily get caught up in my schedule of things to do, but i'm really glad that i went to the jfav rally today. it made me remember some of the truly important things in life. it made me less apathetic, considering how i've been the past few days.
On the way to Filipinotown, I had no idea what to expect. Once we got there and I saw the veterans in their uniforms, all decked out with their medals, i knew i had made the right decision in coming. Seeing them made me miss my lolos, God rest their souls. A lot of schools came out to support, as well as the surrounding community. There were some politicians and speakers, but I think the only one i really listened to was one of the veterans. As he spoke about his experience in the war, and the injustices he experienced afterwards, my heart ached for all of them. i could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. after everyone finished speaking, they unveiled a memorial for the veterans. i was glad that they were finally getting recognition. but at the same time, it makes me sad that it took this long. i was never too keen on history and politics, so when the speakers talked about bills and government policy on the benefits for the veterans, it made me wish i knew more about it. but basically, the filipino=american veterans' service during the war was noted as inactive, making them not-eligible for the same benefits that american veterans got. and it's for those reasons that we continue the struggle today, to fight for justice and equity. these issues never really hit so close to home before. as i listened to them speak about the history, it made me upset like things like this could happen. after the unveiling, we marched in the streets of filipinotown, shouting chants like..
what do we want? JUSTICE
when do we want it? NOW
don't say no-no to your lolo
NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE
makibaka, huwag matakot
there was a trail of cars filled with veterans, leading the march. the students walked at the end of the train. we had signs, and drums, and flags, and megaphones. people came out of their houses and businesses to watch the rally. some waved and smiled at what we were doing. and i guess others were trying to figure it out, after all, not too many are aware of the struggles of filipino-american veterans. but thats why we were out there in the streets. thats why we got up early. thats why a memorial was built. thats why we made so much noise. thats why i was there. i could only imagine what it was like for them... to serve a country in the war, to fight alongside the american troops; and then not receive the same treatment after the war. to fight the same fight, and then have your service called inactive. what pulled my heartstrings was that they werent just war veterans, they were our lolos. their bravery and courage should be honored and respected. they did receive purple hearts, and other badges of honor. what i dont understand is how their service could be seen as inactive. seeing the memorial was really emotional for me. i felt so many mixed feelings: sadness, for those who died fighting; anger, at the inequality; pride, in being filipino.
on the memorial, it said:
Bataan was not our last battlefield, We are still fighting for equity.
--- its moments like those that make life worth living. fighting for a good cause. being proud of your heritage, and raising some cultural awareness. i dont know if its just me, but rarely do i feel like what i'm doing with my life is actually important. but today i felt like i was being a part of something greater. i know i can easily get caught up in my schedule of things to do, but i'm really glad that i went to the jfav rally today. it made me remember some of the truly important things in life. it made me less apathetic, considering how i've been the past few days.