Biden, Harris honor Filipino Americans on Filipino American History Month
October 3, 2023
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris expressed their gratitude to the Filipino American community in celebration of Filipino American History Month (FAHM) this October.
The U.S. government’s messages: On Monday, Biden and Harris thanked the Filipino American community for their contributions to the U.S. and acknowledged their rich heritage and traditions.
“Jill and I are thrilled to celebrate Filipino American History Month, honoring the rich heritage and traditions of millions of Filipino Americans,” Biden tweeted. “To our Filipino American community: Thank you for all you do to ensure our nation continues to be the land of opportunity.”
“Filipino Americans contribute to our nation’s success every single day,” Harris separately tweeted. “During Filipino American History Month, our Administration celebrates the important role that Filipino Americans have played and continue to play in the American story.”
The White House also joined in on the celebration, recognizing Filipino Americans for helping shape the idea of America and emphasizing their role in maintaining the nation as “a land of hope, opportunity and optimism.”
2023 FAHM theme: According to the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), this year’s theme is “1898: Recognizing 125 Years of Philippine-American History.” It commemorates the Treaty of Paris, signed 125 years ago, which ended the Spanish American War and led to the annexation of the Philippines by the U.S. The treaty also granted independence to Cuba, while Puerto Rico and Guam were ceded to the U.S., with the Philippines being purchased for $20 million.
The theme acknowledges 1898 as a significant year for both the Philippines and the U.S., as well as for Filipino Americans and the Filipino diaspora. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding the historical event without celebrating or glorifying American colonialism.
Critical thinking: With over 4 million Filipino Americans living in the U.S., the FANHS said it encourages critical thinking about the impact of 1898, speculating about what life would be like if American colonialism had not occurred in the Philippines. This includes reflecting on the potential paths their families might have taken and envisioning what the Philippines and the Filipino American community would be like today in its absence.
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