MANILA Sen. Daniel K. Inouye on Aug. 14 vowed to continue working in Congress to redress the injustice to the Filipino veterans of World War II after receiving an award from Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz.

In remarks after receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Philippine Department of National Defense, Inouye in the presence of survivors of Bataan and Corregidor, said that when on his first visit to Manila he found out about the broken promises to veterans, I was to say it mildly, shocked, embarrassed, and shamed. I hope that our nation has made some redress, and we will continue working on this. All the initial steps have been taken and we hope that by legislation, we can demonstrate to our comrades here that we thank you very much for the service you have rendered to mankind during World War I.

On Aug. 11, Rep. Henry J. Hyde, chairman of the House Committee on International Relations who was also visiting the Philippines, reminisced about his participation in the liberation of the Philippines.

He made the remarks when he laid a wreath at the American Battle Monuments Commission Cemetery in Manila. He said “America and the Philippines have traveled a long way together. Our enduring bonds are rooted not just in a shared history, but in a common commitment to the basic ideals of freedom and democracy. Those lying here rendered those ties permanent with their lives.”

Rep. Hyde received the Philippine Liberation Medal from Maj. Gen. Horacio Tolentino Aug. 12 for his services during the liberation of the Philippines. Hyde was in the Philippines along with four other congressmen, namely, Dana Rohrabacher, Jeff Flake, Melvin Watt and F. H. Faleomavaega

Besides receiving the “Outstanding Achievement Medal” from Defense Secretary Cruz, Sen. Inouye also got the Congressional Medal of Achievement from Speaker Jose de Venecia.

Sen. Inouye praised the department for the extraordinary improvements and changes that are now being made on the Philippine Defense Reform program.

Inouye said that during his trip to Zamboanga, he saw the Philippine military working with the American military in combating terrorism with an iron fist and a hand of friendship to win their hearts and their minds. “It is working in Mindanao, and we are most pleased and proud to be a partner in this effort.

Inouye recalled his first visit to the Philippines in 1959 and the friendship that had developed with then Secretary of Defense Alejandro Melchor and General Alejo Santos.

“These two men, more than any others in the Republic of the Philippines, were my top advisors. If it were not for General Santos, I would not have known the broken promises of the United States as it related to the veterans. Mr. Secretary, you honored me by inviting the survivors of Bataan and the survivors of Corregidor, my comrades, today.”

Rep. Hyde recalled how he steered a landing craft into Lingayen Gulf during the US invasion in Luzon.

“Far from my home in Chicago, Illinois, and a mere three months after I first put to sea, I was taking part in the massive landing force that heralded the beginning of the liberation of Luzon and the people of the Philippines,” he recalled..

Hyde continued: “The memories are strong and are always with me. This will not surprise those who have fought together in battle, as the binding ties are deep and independent of time, even if those sharing them have never met, and even if some no longer live. It is to pay tribute to these heroes that we have come here today, to this cemetery. By so doing, we demonstrate our fidelity and that of our fellow countrymen to those buried here, to those whom we have never met and yet to whom we owe an unpayable debt.”

He added that he was proud that we “can all take pride in the legacy of freedom here in the Philippines and elsewhere, including in our own country, that their efforts and sacrifice helped make possible for the generations which followed them and for those which will follow us. May we always be worthy of it and meet our responsibility for its preservation as faithfully as did they.

“America and the Philippines have traveled a long way together. Our enduring bonds are rooted not just in a shared history, but in a common commitment to the basic ideals of freedom and democracy. Those lying here rendered those ties permanent with their lives. To the Filipino people, we have entrusted the care of our young men who are buried here, far from the homes they never saw again but who are forever close to the hearts and memories of their grateful countrymen.”

Mr. Hyde later released a statement saying he was particularly moved by his visit to the American cemetery and to meet with Filipino veterans of World War II. “It was a poignant opportunity to express our gratitude for their sacrifices in the service of liberty.”

The Chicago solon said he met with key Filipino and American officials to discuss timely topics of mutual interest, including our shared struggle against terrorism, our support for peace and development in the Southern Philippines, and our efforts to secure economic prosperity for both our peoples."

“ Our meetings with President Arroyo, Speaker of the House de Venecia, and Secretary of National Defense Cruz have provided a productive opportunity to reaffirm the deep and abiding friendship between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines,” he added.