Filipino WWII vets to get medals in D.C.

Filipino World War II veterans will be honored for their courage and sacrifice at a long-awaited Congressional Gold Medal ceremony in October in Washington, D.C.

U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan has announced that the ceremony is set for 11 a.m. Oct. 25 at the Emancipation Hall.

More than 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American WWII veterans fought for the U.S. and Philippines. Today, approximately 15,000 to 18,000 veterans remain.

Coordinators are currently tallying the number of Filipino WWII veterans in Hawaii.

In December, President Barack Obama signed into law a measure honoring Filipino WWII veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian award.

Plans to distribute bronze replicas of the medal to veterans at an event following the ceremony is underway, according to the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, an organization that led a national campaign to push for recognition for Filipino WWII veterans.

Furry sidekick part of new ‘Five-0’ cast

A canine star is expected to make regular appearances on “Hawaii Five-0” in the eighth season, which premieres Sept. 29 on CBS.

Eddie, a 2-year-old, yellow Labrador retriever, appears in the third episode as Steve McGarrett’s sidekick.

Named after surf legend Eddie Aikau, the dog belongs to Hollywood animal trainer Sue Chipperton, owner of Check The Gate. Eddie, a North Shore resident, has also been in a Hawaiian Telcom commercial and played a small part in “Brad’s Status,” a movie filmed in Hawaii last year.

“He loves to work and enjoys going to the set and working with the 5-0 team,” said Chipperton in an email. “Everybody loves him, he gets lots of attention and works very hard to do all his own stunts and learn new behaviors.”

Actors Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park, who played detective Chin Ho Kelly and officer Kono Kalakaua respectively, will not return for the eighth season. Meaghan Rath joins the cast as Tani Rey, along with Beulah Koale as Junior Reigns, while Ian Anthony Dale continues as series regular Adam Noshimuri.

“Hawaii Five-0” producer Peter Lenkov posted a sneak preview video of Eddie on his Instagram feed in August: “Meet Eddie.#H50’s newest member.”