On December 20, 2018, President Donald Trump signed the Chinese-American World War II Veteran Congressional Gold Medal Act into law. The Act finally recognizes the achievements and contributions of Chinese Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Second World War.
The bill passed due to the efforts of everyone involved in the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project. The mission of the project was to recognize, honor and celebrate the military service of approximately 20,000 Chinese Americans who fought in the Second World War.
Chris Kwok, AABANY Board Director, Issues Committee Chair and Asia Practice Committee Co-Chair, participated in the effort to get the legislation passed. Chris served on the Steering Committee of the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project and acted as Legal Counsel to the Committee.
Brian Song, AABANY President-Elect, and Chris Kwok, as AABANY Issues Committee Chair, also advocated for passage of the bill at NAPABA Lobby Day in Washington, DC, during APA Heritage Month in 2018.
AABANY commends Chris Kwok and Brian Song for their efforts and advocacy in support of getting this very important legislation passed.
WASHINGTON — The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) endorses the Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act introduced by Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Congressman Ed Royce (R-Calif.-39), and Congressman Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-33). This bipartisan bill formally recognizes the thousands of Chinese Americans who fought alongside fellow Americans during World War II with the Congressional Gold Medal. In a letter shared with Congress, NAPABA highlighted how “Chinese Americans, both men and women, played a significant role for the United States in the Second World War… For over half a century, Chinese Americans have gone unrecognized for their courage and selfless sacrifice. NAPABA has supported similar legislation in the past and unequivocally endorses this legislation to finally grant Chinese World War II veterans the honor they deserve for their courage and valor.”
NAPABA encourages Members of Congress to join their colleagues in co-sponsoring this Bill to honor our veterans. By supporting this legislation, NAPABA acknowledges the importance of promoting equity and justice for Asian Pacific Americans. NAPABA thanks Senators Duckworth and Shelby, and Congressman Royce for their leadership in raising awareness of the sacrifices that Chinese Americans have made for the United States.
For more information, the media may contact Brett Schuster, NAPABA communications manager, at 202-775-9555 or [email protected].
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is the national association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students. NAPABA represents the interests of almost 50,000 attorneys and over 80 national, state, and local Asian Pacific American bar associations. Its members include solo practitioners, large firm lawyers, corporate counsel, legal services and non-profit attorneys, and lawyers serving at all levels of government.
NAPABA continues to be a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian Pacific American communities. Through its national network of committees and affiliates, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of color in the legal profession.
