FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 04, 2005

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi Pays Tribute to World War II Hero Magdaleno Duenas

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi honored the life of World War II hero Magdaleno Duenas, who died on Sunday, for his service to his country and his struggle for equality for Filipino veterans.  Pelosi submitted the following statement into the Congressional Record yesterday:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of Magdaleno Duenas, a World War II military hero who passed away on February 27 at the age of 90.

“We honor and thank him for his courageous military service and the sacrifices he made for our nation, as well as his lifelong struggle on behalf of Filipino veterans of World War II.  His life is a symbol of the struggle for total recognition of Filipino veterans and a sad reminder of a shameful page in the history of our nation.  

“Born and raised in the Philippines, Mr. Duenas joined the 101st Infantry in 1941. In 1943, he joined the guerilla forces in the mountains and was captured by the Japanese while procuring food for American soldiers. Under questioning, Mr. Duenas denied any knowledge of the whereabouts of the American soldiers.  He escaped, and helped 10 U.S. soldiers escape the Japanese POW camp.

“Mr. Duenas came to the United States to claim his U.S. citizenship and military benefits, and fell into the hands of an abusive landlord in Richmond, Calif.  He and 16 other veterans were held in captivity, beaten, chained and fed dog food, while their landlord kept their monthly government checks. 

“After being rescued, his experience received news coverage.  It brought public attention to the plight of elderly Filipino veterans who came to America expecting to receive previously promised veterans’ pensions for their honorable US military service, but instead learned that Congress had stripped them of those benefits and recognition.

“Thousands of Filipino veterans came to the U.S. seeking equity and have waited 60 years for the promise to be honored.  After fighting for more than half a century for their right to U.S. citizenship, other issues related to their health and recognition remain to be addressed.  Many live alone in poverty. It is a national tragedy to see our veterans suffer from neglect, despair and hopelessness.

“Mr. Duenas moved to San Francisco’s Tenderloin district in 1993, where he was a vibrant member of our community. This diminutive, gentle man worked tirelessly to improve the experience of Filipino Veterans in the Bay Area.

“All these years, he waited for the recognition of the U.S. Government for the services he rendered during WWII.  He was featured in two documentaries: Tears of Old andSecond Class Citizens.  He died still waiting for the full equity bill to be passed by the U.S. Congress.  We will not rest until the equity bill becomes law.

“Mr. Speaker, we will never forget his struggle on the frontlines of the battlefield and on the frontlines of the fight for equity for Filipino veterans.  Mr. Duenas’ courage and resolve moves all of us to continue the fight for justice in our country for all people.

“We will never forget the sacrifices Mr. Duenas and other Filipino veterans made for our freedom.  We must dedicate ourselves as a nation to ensure that America fulfills its moral obligation to those who pay the high price for our freedom.”

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi