San Francisco, California — In a heartfelt ceremony held on November 15, 2024, at the Marines’ Memorial Club and Hotel, families of 11 Filipino World War II veterans received bronze replicas of the prestigious United States Congressional Gold Medal.
The Bayanihan Equity Center (BEC) and the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Program (FilVetREP) organized the event to commemorate U.S. Veterans Day.
Consul General Neil Ferrer emphasized the occasion’s significance, highlighting the commissioning of the USCGC Florence Finch, a U.S. Coast Guard cutter named after Filipino-American World War II veteran Florence Ebersole Smith Finch. He also reflected on the enduring legacy of the Philippines-U.S. alliance forged during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, now marking its 80th anniversary.
“The significance of the Battle of Leyte Gulf extends beyond the victory of the Allied Forces itself. It forged an enduring partnership between the Philippines and the United States,” Ferrer remarked, underscoring the shared history and robust defense and economic cooperation between the two nations.
The event also celebrated BEC’s acquisition of a new cultural center in San Francisco’s SOMA Pilipinas district, set to open in early 2025.
Over 660 Filipino World War II veterans in California have been honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, recognizing their sacrifices and contributions to history.
