Recognizing Chinese-American World War II Veterans From Pennsylvania

Floor Speech

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Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the following Chinese American Veterans from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who served gallantly in our United States military during WWII:

Henry Chang, Joseph Ying Yuen, Mong Quong Lee, Tuck Y. Young, Going T. Chin, Arthur Jun Lee, Yee Yuen, Anthony Wong, Mon Sheu Lee, Mun Pon Wong, Livingston Chunn, S. Young Louie, Hong G. Lee, Charles Nong Louie, Stanley Chunn, Harry Jung, Bon Yue Li, Harry G. Chin, Benjamin CK Tom, Paul Moy Toy, Chin J. Bow.

George R. Jung, Yen Yee, Raymond Lee, Mun H. Wong, Robert L. Moy, Chester Gon Chu, Jan Louie, George D. Lee, Louie W. Chung, Ralph Wing Jung, Ming B. Wing, Jake Fong, Pow-Hen L. Lee, Hang C. Young, Paul Toy, Sik Woo Ting.

James S. Louie, Dun S. Mark, Ming K. Ngee, Going G. Ju, Dunai Harry Yee, Richard D. Lem, Fan G. Ngee, James Lum, Ng Way Yee, Sing Shang Ching, Hol Yook Wong, George Jung, Mun Pon Wong.

In 2018, Congress passed and the President signed into law S. 1050-- The Chinese-American World War II Veteran Congressional Gold Medal Act, which authorized the Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to these individuals in recognition for both their service to our Nation during a time at war and to our Nation's Chinese American community. Not only did they help in defeating our Nation's enemies, but they overcame the many challenges they and their families had due to the existence of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. As a matter of fact, 40% of the Chinese who served were not even citizens of the United States at the time. It was not that they did not want to become citizens, but that they were denied that right under the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. However, due to their service and sacrifices for our Nation during WWII, Congress finally repealed this unjust law in 1943. This laid the groundwork for many of our Veterans to return home after the war and to attain the opportunities that they rightfully earned in their military service to our Nation.

I would respectfully like our Congress today to show our appreciation and gratitude to these great Americans. We will always remember and treasure their personal sacrifices and contributions to our Nation.

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