SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Filipino World War II veterans who fought under the American flag were honored at a luncheon in Lincoln Park on Sunday.
The event took place at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation on Euclid Avenue.
More than 260,000 Filipino and Filipino American soldiers served the United States during the war, but their service was unrecognized for decades.That changed when the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 was passed and then signed into law by President Obama in 2016.
The veterans were honored with a bronze replica of the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) for their service and sacrifice during World War II. A CGM is the highest civilian honor that Congress can bestow.
A total of 61 veterans were honored, with many family members accepting the honor for vets who have passed away. Ten living veterans were present to receive their medals.
10News reporter Melissa Mecija emceed the event.
