United States (US) President Joe Biden has expressed his gratitude to Filipino Americans for their sacrifices and contributions in making their country "more perfect".
Biden made the statement as the US marked on Oct. 1 the start of the Filipino American History Month, an event meant to reflect on the achievements and milestones of Filipino Americans in the US.
In his message posted on the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, USA Facebook page, Biden thanked Filipino Americans for their contributions over the years.
"To our Filipino American community: thank you for all you do and for all you endure to make our union more perfect," he said.
Biden recognized how Filipino Americans have been ushering change in the US since the 16th Century.
"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. Their contributions are reflected in some of our Nation's greatest triumphs and struggles," he said.
"When the United States and our allies overcame enemy forces to bring World War II to an end, Filipino Americans were fighting on the frontlines to make our victory possible," he added.
"When Filipino farmworkers organized across the Nation, including tile Delano Grape Strike in California, they catalyzed permanent changes that improved the conditions of farm labor in the United States," he continued.
Biden lauded Filipino Americans for their role in the US' fight against the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19) which has hit at least 43.5 million people in the said country and killed almost 700,000 individuals.
"Filipino Americans have continued to serve and sacrifice in one of the darkest years in our history, selflessly working on the widespread frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.
The American President meanwhile mourned for those who died in the fight against the deadly virus, citing a study saying Filipino Americans accounted for nearly a third of all nurses in the US who tragically lost their lives due to COVID-19.
"Today, our Nation mourns their losses and honors the tremendous contributions of Filipino Americans during this global health crisis and throughout our history," he said.
Meanwhile, President Biden said Filipino Americans are an essential part of the USA's strength and diversity, a living reminder of the courage of immigrants, and a growing force in its civic movements and engagement.
"This month, we come together as one Nation to honor the history of service and sacrifice of our Filipino American community and to welcome the future achievements of their youth," he said.
"May we celebrate their stories, culture, and contributions today and every day, and may their resilience continue to inspire us all," he added.
Data from US-based fact thank Pew Research Center showed that there are 4.2 million Filipino Americans in the US as of 2019.