As October marks Filipino American History month, President Joe Biden expressed his gratitude to Filipino Americans for enriching and strengthening the U.S. over the years.
Biden’s statement: In a statement issued by the White House on Saturday, the president and the first lady recognized the contributions of Filipino Americans in the U.S. He honored the Filipino community for their sacrifices in armed services and in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
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- “With a recorded presence in the continental United States as far back as October 1587, Filipino Americans have served our nation, defended our democracy and fought for the promise of a more just and inclusive America,” Biden’s statement read.
- He paid tribute to the sacrifices of Filipino frontline workers and caregivers. “While Filipino Americans comprised just four percent of nurses in the United States in 2020, they accounted for nearly a third of all nurses who tragically lost their lives due to COVID-19,” he said.
- Biden also noted the importance of Filipino farm workers and cited the Delano Grape Strikes led by Larry Itliong in 1965 as spurring “permanent changes that improved the farm labor in the United States.”
- “Filipino Americans are an essential part of our nation’s strength and diversity, a living reminder of the courage of immigrants, and a growing force in our civic movements and engagement,” Biden said.
- “May we celebrate their stories, culture and contributions, today and everyday, and may their resilience continue to inspire us all,” he added.
- In closing his statement, Biden said, “To our Filipino American community: thank you for all you do and for all you endure to make our union more perfect.”
Featured Image via Joe Biden
