As adopted by senate, June 20, 2019

senate resolution no.66

Senator MacDonald, Alexander, Ananich, Brinks, Bullock, Hollier, Johnson, Lucido, McCann, McMorrow, Santana, VanderWall and Wojno offered the following resolution:

A resolution to commemorate July 20, 2019, as Filipino-American Friendship Day.

Whereas, July 2019 marks the 73rd anniversary of the Treaty of Manila which granted Philippine independence from the United States in 1946; and

Whereas, During World War II, the Empire of Japan occupied the islands until a United States campaign led by General Douglas MacArthur and Philippine Vice President Sergio Osmeña successfully regained control of the country. Finally, in 1946, the Philippines became an independent nation; and

Whereas, One of the earliest examples of the shared history of these two nations involves Filipinos, living in New Orleans, who joined the war effort against the British during the War of 1812; and

Whereas, Since that time, Filipino-Americans have contributed greatly to the United States with great accomplishments in the fields of education, entrepreneurship, medicine, arts, culinary, sports, government, business, and more; and

Whereas, According to the last census in 2010, there were 3.4 million Americans of Filipino descent. An estimated 1.08 percent of the residents of Sterling Heights, Michigan are Filipino-Americans, more than any other Michigan city; and

Whereas, All Americans can be proud of the historic friendship between the Philippines and the United States; and

Whereas, It is important that we teach our children and future generations important lessons learned through this long lasting relationship and the benefits to be gained from cooperation with all cultures; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body commemorate July 20, 2019, as Filipino-American Friendship Day; and be it further

Resolved, That we recognize this as a special time for Michiganians to celebrate the valuable contributions and longstanding relationship between the Philippines and the United States and express our desire for continued friendship.