Visiting U.S. Congressmen Receive Medals for War-Time Valor,
Service to Philippine-American Ties
Two visiting U.S. Congressmen were recognized by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines for their long-standing friendship with the Philippines, including service in World War II and promotion of an active partnership between the two countries.
Philippine Liberation Medal for Hyde
U.S. Representative Henry Hyde (R-IL), Chairman of the House International Relations Committee, received the Philippine Liberation Medal from Major General Horacio S. Tolentino, Armed Forces of the Philippines in a ceremony on August 12. He was presented this high honor in recognition of his service during the liberation of the Philippines in World War II, and participation in the initial Allied landing operations in Lingayen Gulf. Chairman Hyde fought in World War II as a U.S. Naval Commander and was posted to Lingayen Gulf from January 1945 to August 1946.
Chairman Hyde was in the Philippines with a delegation of five U.S. Congressmen. Joining him were Congressman Melvin Watt (D-NC), Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Congressman Jeff Flake (R-AZ), and Congressman Eni F.H. Faleomavaega (American Samoa), all members of the House International Relations Committee.
While in the Philippines, the delegation joined U.S. and Filipino veterans at a ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, where Chairman Hyde honored his fellow veterans who died defending our freedom. They also met with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Inouye Receives Congressional Medal
U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI), who is also a World War II veteran, was honored with two medals during his recent visit to the Philippines: the Congressional Medal of Achievement from Speaker of the House of Representatives Jose de Venecia and the Outstanding Achievement Medal from Secretary of Defense Avelino Cruz, Jr.
The citation for the Congressional Medal of Achievement read in part that it was bestowed in recognition of “his long and distinguished record as a senior member of the United States Senate, and as a World War II combat veteran … in particular appreciation of his unceasing efforts to nurture fraternal ties between the American and Philippine legislatures; his constant concern for the interests of Filipino World War II veterans; and his achievements in enhancing the historic friendship between the American and Filipino peoples.” Speaker de Venecia hosted an August 14 ceremony during which he presented the medal to Senator Inouye, who said that the Philippines is “America’s first friend and ally in the Pacific,” and that he was “deeply warmed by this award; I will treasure it always.”
Outstanding Achievement Medal for Inouye
Secretary Cruz conferred upon Senator Inouye the Outstanding Achievement Medal, which is the highest recognition that Department of Defense awards to a foreign dignitary. Senator Inouye received the honor for his championing of Filipino veterans’ rights, support for development in the Philippines, and backing of military modernization aid.
During his visit to the Philippines, Senator Inouye met with President Arroyo and other cabinet members, and visited Zamboanga City. “To say I was impressed would be an understatement,” he said about his visit and meetings with U.S. and Philippine military authorities. “We have made progress in the fight against terror. We use an iron fist when necessary, but we are prepared to use the hand of friendship as well. The Filipinos taught us this.”
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To view photos of Chairman Hyde’s visit to the Philippines, visit http://philippines.usembassy.gov/wwwhmain.html.
To read Chairman Hyde’s remarks at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, visit http://philippines.usembassy.gov/wwwhr910.html.
To read Chairman Hyde’s post-visit statement, visit http://philippines.usembassy.gov/wwwhr909.html.
To view photos of Senator Inouye’s visit to the Philippines, visit http://philippines.usembassy.gov/wwwhmain.html.
