Further Recognizing Chinese-American World War II Veterans From Pennsylvania

Floor Speech

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Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, on November 5th, I proudly recognized dozens of Chinese-American Veterans from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who served gallantly in our United States military during World War II.

Today, I rise once again to further acknowledge additional service members who committed themselves to defending our national ideals and values in the gravest hours of that war.

Ging G. Ju, Hoi Yook Wong, Ging T. Chin, Harvey C. Young, George W. Jung, Leong Q. Yee, Poy Quon Fong, Jan Lim, William Lee Sr., Mun H. Wong, Yook Been Eng, Frank Wong Leung.

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 percent, 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 However, due to their service and sacrifices for our Nation during WWII, Congress finally repealed this unjust law in 1943.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 again 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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