Coffee table book on Pinoy WWII vets launched in US

MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino-American photographer launched a coffee-table book on Filipino World War II veterans in Washington, D.C., the Department of Foreign Affairs said. The DFA said Bay Area-based Rick Rocamora the launching of “Filipino World War II Soldiers: America’s Second-Class Veterans" was launched at the Philippine Embassy. “This collection of photographs – bound in one impressive book – gives us an intimate look into the struggle of the Filipino World War II veterans and reminds us all of our duty – and our continuing responsibility – to honor the memory of our veterans," Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy Gaa said. He commended Rocamora for "taking on the challenge of documenting our veterans’ long and arduous fight." Gaa said the images, while silent, are "resonant voices from our past and our present that underscores our obligation to never, ever forget." The event also included a book talk, book signing, and reception at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. During the event, Gaa presented a certificate of recognition to Rocamora for “his outstanding and meritorious contributions in helping further raise awareness of and deepen appreciation for the Philippines and her democratic history and legacy through the visual arts, particularly in photography, as demonstrated in his coffee table book." Conducting the book talk, signing and reception were the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (Apala), KAYA-DC, National Alliance for Filipino Veterans Equity (Nafve), National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Philippine Arts, Letters & Media (PALM) Council in partnership with the Philippine Embassy as part of the month-long commemoration of the 111th Anniversary of Philippine Independence. - GMANews.TV