Aust, US, Canada: migrant & native experiences: 'Is This Patriot Enough?': Asian American Official Shows Military Scars,...

'Is This Patriot Enough?': Asian American Official Shows Military Scars, Condemns Racist Violence

NBC News

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1.2M

36,703,992 views Mar 28, 2021

Lee Wong, chairman of the West Chester, Ohio, Township Board of Trustees, condemned anti-Asian violence during an impassioned speech that has now gone viral.» Subscribe to NBC News: http://nbcnews.to/SubscribeToNBC

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Transcript

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i just want to say that uh

you know i came to this country when i

was 18

just finished high school came over here

i went to u.s army to serve 20 years

active duty 24 7

and retire okay

for too long

you know we have i have put up put up

with a lot of

in silence

excuse me the language too afraid to

speak

out fearing more abuse

and discrimination yeah

then when i come out of the army i say

i'm going to make it a better community

where i go to

wherever i live to serve i mean

i do my best do what is right

and then you know in the last few years

since

just getting worse and worse but there

are some

ignorant people that will come up to me

and say that i don't look american

patriotic enough

people question my patriotism

that i don't look american enough they

could not get over this

face i want to show you something

i want to tell you because i'm not

afraid i don't have to live in fear

intimidation

or insults

i'm 69 years old and i'm going to show

you

what patriotism the questions about

patriotism looks like

here is my proof

this is sustained from my service in the

u.s military

now is this patriot enough

i'm not ashamed to walk around anymore

before i was

very inhibited people look at me strange

and they to question me my loyalty to

this country

i don't look american enough now last i

read the u s constitutions we the people

we are all the same we are equal

not this you are more superior

you are not

we are all the same we are all

we all have even i have some mindless

prejudice sometimes that i caught myself

oh i don't like the way you dress it's

not the same

but you know prejudice is

is hate and that hate

it can be changed we are human

you know we need to be kinder gentler

to one another because we are all the

same

we are one human being on this earth

hey nbc news viewers thanks for checking

out our youtube channel

subscribe by clicking on that button

down here

and click on any of the videos over here

to watch the latest interviews show

highlights and digital exclusives

thanks for watching

===

102,765 Comments

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@lovedpark

1 year ago

He served our country... what 99% of people don't want to do, give this man the respect he deserves.

36K

138 replies

@TheNathanalex

4 years ago

When a person has to show their scars in order to prove how much they love their country there's definitely something wrong. Respect to the Gentlemen.

42K

113 replies

@saucyonePR

4 years ago (edited)

This was the most polite FU I’ve seen. Truly powerful his story.

12K

82 replies

@Karime18

7 months ago

Easy to bark from the other side of the fence when you're not the one serving and getting traumatized. Respect this man!

1.3K

7 replies

@galagoz7401

4 years ago

He's more American than those questioning his patriotism.

51K

337 replies

@mihagolod2393

4 years ago

The power behind his calmness is absolutely fascinating

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55 replies

@hgbugalou

4 years ago (edited)

This gentleman probably appreciates this country more than 90% of the people born here.

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63 replies

@shottahuncho

7 months ago

“Prejudice is hate and hate can be changed” well said !

357

@nourxden

4 years ago

“ i will show you something, cause i am not afraid “ this sentence says it all, mad respect for him.

14K

33 replies

@VictoriousGardenosaurus

4 years ago

He politely gives them the business then proceeds to take his shirt off and shows his battle wounds. That's the most American thing I've seen in quite some time.

16 replies

@shweatycardboards8954

4 years ago

I guarantee those who questions his patriotism has never served a day in their life.

71 replies

@ClearwaterĐẹpLắm

13 days ago

I’m an Asian and I’ve been in the US for 40 years. Even though I’m not a veteran, but I’ve been paying taxes ever since I was in high school. I’m doing my least of my own as an American. Thank you for your service, Sir.

@danieldavid9887

1 year ago

My father and I (two black men) served this country. And this man is 100% OUR BROTHER IN ARMS

Thank you, sir!!!

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19 replies

@sarahrenkoski4311

4 years ago

This hate has got to stop. Thank you for your service.

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12 replies

@finnisaacson2253

4 years ago

The “is this patriotic enough?” when he showed his scars hit different. You can feel the pain

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42 replies

@TimothyClark-g2t

7 months ago

As a old soldier myself.I would have considered it a privilege to serve with you

@robertbaumgartner2336

4 years ago

I would be proud to call this man my brother any day of the week.

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11 replies

@banditoincognito8950

4 years ago

You can hear and see his pain and anger, the betrayal he's feeling is immeasurable.

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14 replies

@shawnwasabi

4 years ago

thank you Lee. this is heavy and heartfelt to watch and i admire the message. also you remind me of my grandfather in the best way possible

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47 replies

@MisterMan2013

7 months ago

Thank you for your service Mr. Lee. I am so proud you are my fellow country men.

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1 reply

@docholliday4489

4 years ago

This man chose to defend a country he was not even born in. The definition of a true man and a patriot. Thank you sir.

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72 replies

@rubytuesday5412

3 years ago (edited)

I'm not American but as a Human Being, I'm very PROUD of this man. MUCH RESPECT.

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27 replies

@ismayilhuseynov5027

4 years ago

When scars and wounds speak more than 6 hours speech. Huge respect.

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1 reply

@Bailey_Dreamfoot

2 days ago

4 years later and it still hits

@Malee-AU

10 months ago

TOTAL respect for you Lee Wong. - A Vet, from Australia

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10 replies

@BelleAmie22

4 years ago

The physical scars are only the beginning... I can't imagine the mental and emotional scars 😢. Thank all of those who served and are serving, no matter how they look.

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7 replies

@grant8917

1 year ago

Thank you sir for your service! And shame on those who discriminated against him and others who you say”don’t look American enough.”

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2 replies

@Moe_Slim

4 months ago

Its 2025, and ppl still havent learned… I appreciate the heart, bravery and courage of this man. Thank you sir, you are just as a American as anyone could EVER BE! But a MUCH better HUMAN BEING! ❤🙏

@Trist_Playz

1 year ago

As a navy vet this hit me deep old timer. Thank you for your service and thank you for what you had to go through. I hope sooner than later America can heal it's wounds and come together.

4.2K

15 replies

@TD-ee9om

4 years ago

Are people really pressed about him swearing? His service to his country gets questioned all the time. If you treat any service member like this you probably would hear worse.

2.8K

24 replies

@QuinnEdwards1

3 years ago

Brought tears to my eyes. A true patriot and this country is built on men like this.

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6 replies

@happylobsterpatatas

2 months ago

I've watched this video some years ago already, and I'm not tired of watching it again today. His powerful speech is just so touching. 👏

@RichardBeagle_snoopy6937

4 years ago (edited)

Go on brother, thank you for your service. I am Mexican born and served in the U.S. Army for 24 years. I hear you as many as our other veterans brothers do.

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41 replies

@xXG3TPWNEDXx

4 years ago

"Is this American enough?" , The real question is this human enough? Thanks for your service brother.

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3 replies

@dorothytracy9503

4 years ago

I am Native American. I understand what you are going thru. I believe you are a true American, Sir.

14K

362 replies

@sisterdiggins

2 months ago

Massive respect for this man!I am sickened to the core how far down the tubes we have fallen as a society and as a nation.

@Fearless_Fragger

4 years ago

I'm not even sure what to say. That was so powerful. Not only does he deserve, he has earned the respect of the country he calls home.

Anyone who says that's not enough, show me your scars.

19 replies

@dleland71

4 years ago

Anybody who treats this Hero with disrespect, should be ashamed of themselves! Thank You for your Service, Mr. Wong!

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3 replies

@lucrativedynasty9577

4 years ago (edited)

I am not afraid, I don't have to live in fear, intimidation, or insults. Then he shows his scars of war and said: "Is this Patriot Enough???" That was deep, my absolute respect for you! Mr. Lee Wong Sir...

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14 replies

@kevindisanza6410

2 months ago

The fact Trump is considered to be more of a leader than this man is actually wild.

@maximilianraley2457

3 years ago (edited)

This is literally like a scene from a dramatic movie. This dude is as American as it gets. Thank you for your service sir! God bless you and your family.

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10 replies

@ahbengj

4 years ago

It must’ve been really2 hurt to hear the word “you’re not american enough “when your entire youthful life is fighting for the country..while the one who said it never really do something beneficial for the country..bless this man heart..

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7 replies

@crystalclearaswater7198

4 years ago (edited)

My father served in the Korean War and received no help upon his return. He suffered for years with PTSD. He used to wake up yelling in the middle of the night.. All he got was a 21 gun salute and a headstone.

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42 replies

@sharon-v3w7x

2 months ago

He is my brother, he served his country. His country is the United States of America. ❤

@lStranger

4 years ago

No one deserves to be mistreated, regardless of whether they served or not. This man suffered so that others wouldn't have to, yet it still happens in our own country.

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78 replies

@crawfishgumbo7762

4 years ago

You are a patriot sir, and you are an American. Thank you for your courage and strength.

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58 replies

@chrisknight5996

3 years ago

This man shed blood for America and dealt with hatred and prejudice in America AND STILL embraces America and what it’s SUPPOSED to be. You can not be more patriotic than him. Thank you Sir. Thank you.

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36 replies

@Paul1989Sobby

2 months ago

He's more American then 90 percent of Americans 😢

@Im_so_Retro85

2 years ago

I have nothing but respect for this man. He is an American hero. Thank you for your service and sacrifice, Sir.

3.2K

34 replies

@DINO-MYTE

4 years ago (edited)

His heart bleeds true patriotism. He lays his life down for us and our freedoms. Respect.

1.7K

11 replies

@heathernikki5734

3 years ago

Respect to this man I'm so sorry for any disrespect he's had to put up with.

9 replies

@muhammadshahabuldin7830

4 months ago

He is not Asian American he is just AMERICAN

@Gazzilaussie

4 years ago

Only issue is, the nice people of the world will see this but don't need to, while the ones that NEED to see it, will never want to hear it.

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13 replies

@suecoady8017

1 year ago

Mr. WONG, that was undeniably the most patriotic message, verbal and visual, that this 73 yr old woman has ever had the privilege to witness. Thank you sir for your continued service.

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1 reply

@Jess-zm5xt

3 years ago (edited)

You don’t have to be born in America to be a true American. He came here, served this country and his community. He’s done better than many people who were born here who spread hate to others.

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34 replies

@starcatcher1977

1 month ago (edited)

The USA is a country of immigrants and no one has the right to determine, who is a "real American" and who is not!

@ImSicKPaLOfficial

4 years ago

An Asian American has more respect for this country than some high ranking politicians. I Thank him for his service

94 replies

@bobbycarr408

4 years ago

There is nothing more patriotic than an immigrant who obtained citizenship and chose to defend the country that accepted him. To him, that was a way of life worth defending at any cost. As a Marine Corps vet, I feel that he deserves the upmost respect. He earned mine the second he chose to put on a uniform and serve. Thank you for what you sacrificed sir

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136 replies

@Ghost0465-1

4 years ago (edited)

One of the best “ Wanna know how I got these scars?” moments.

This guys a true hero.

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3 replies

@donn2041

3 months ago

This man is a patriot

@indycustommade3568

4 years ago

This was very real. You sir have done more for your country than a lot of these racists will ever do. As a former soldier, I salute you and your patriotism for this country. Thank you.

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6 replies

@TommyAventador

4 years ago

You can imagine. After fighting for your country for 20yrs, and sustained mass injuries for the rights for freedom. People walk around using those rights he fought for to be racist and question his patriotism? Sad!

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34 replies

@zippyustar6350

4 years ago

I can’t imagine what courage it took to be THIS AMERICAN my tears will never be enough to wipe away the shame of some people who hate

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5 replies

@brownie1341

5 days ago (edited)

Respect brother. You bow to no one.

@jessicadriscoll4948

4 years ago

This had me crying. You can hear his pain and frustration. No one should have to go through that ever, especially as a senior and a vet.

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8 replies

@cobyporschifer221

4 years ago

He's done more for this Country than most Natural Born Americans. Thank you for your service. And for being stand up Human. Much Respect

19 replies

@isaaccoote2874

5 days ago

He looked American to me before I saw the scars. Don't be ashamed to walk around as I would never be ashamed to walk beside you sir. Thank you for your service.

@MMccloud

4 years ago

This man wasn’t born in this country but represents the ideals of this country more than 80% of this nation. I salute you sir

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6 replies

@ihsanyuce953

4 years ago

He’s ten times as American than anybody who says he isn’t.

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27 replies

@weynnerguillen9533

4 years ago

Last Time I Checked, Skin Color doesn't dictate Patriotism. It's Actions that do ! Salute to you!

586

3 replies

@neverland__flover__midzy

12 days ago

Well Done, Mr. Wong...& Thank You.

@kjpetrucci

4 years ago (edited)

Show scars sustained in combat then sits like a gangster with his shirt open as he owns the place!

My deepest respects for this gentleman!

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6 replies

@jimbobakabrutus1230

4 years ago

He should be respected simply for being an elder, even more for being a vet. Thank you for your service Sir!

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15 replies

@charleswatts2503

4 years ago

20 years of loyal service to our country, even wounded in combat, still served and retired. This man is a hero and should be respected and honored for his sacrifice.

I salute you sir

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4 replies

@trumplostlol3007

11 days ago

It is not about patriotism. It is about racism and authoritarianism.

@lbufal28

4 years ago

From one vet to another. I wouldn't be wearing the uniform without you. Still has the Soldier's mentality direct, confident, to the point. Knows how to make a statement and have people think about it long afterward. Respect.

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7 replies

@alison4316

4 years ago

I think this man is more of a patriot than I, born in America, am. You deserve the utmost respect, sir.

"We need to be kinder, gentler to each other because we are all the same."

All humans deserve respect. Period.

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8 replies

@joelbuchanan471

4 years ago

The man served THIS country admirably. Even if he was just a guy on the street, and not a military retiree, he still deserves respect, dignity, and his right to a decent life he made himself without cruelty.

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24 replies

@daxterperciptez8522

2 months ago

Now that's an American.🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸🙏

@dmitriishumilov5687

4 years ago

I could hear the pain in his voice, he’s the real one for speaking out, for handling this monologue so professionally.

In one word, the goat 🐐

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7 replies

@barryschwarz

8 months ago

He wasn't born American. He chose to be American. And he honoured that choice in a way the vast majority of those born in the US never will. He offered his life for his chosen country and was wounded in defense of his chosen country. To me, that is more American than the random chance of where you were born, never mind "patriotic enough."

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4 replies

@rolledout4399

4 years ago

People who were never Loyal asking him about loyalty.

We asian are proud to you sir❤️.

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17 replies

@HilaryTsaiRageVlog

3 months ago

'Doesn't look patriotic enough.' What do they want him to do, paint himself red white and blue?

1 reply

@Illn8ture

3 years ago

There are a lot of faceless and voiceless veterans who loved and bled for a country who didn't love them back. I salute this man for putting his life in the line and bleeding for this country. Thank you for your service.

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8 replies

@wobobosworld4570

4 years ago

As an immigrant that is now serving in the US military, I can honestly say that there are very few things more hurtful than someone telling you “you are not American”.

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179 replies

@JMsFunActivities

4 years ago

Thanks for your service sir! And Thank you for saying we are all EQUAL!

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120 replies

@cheese-power

2 months ago

Prejudice is ignorance 😢😢😢

@Jagg013

1 year ago

I don't know what he went through, but those scars look like they're from an emergency clamshell thoracotomy, a surgical procedure usually only done as a last resort because the survival rate is so low. 9%-12% for penetrating trauma and 1%-2% for blunt trauma. He nearly gave his life for his country. Mad respect for him.

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13 replies

@DavidGarate55

4 years ago

This whole thing was a masterpiece, the way he spoke, the way he handled himself. That is a great American! The thing that stood out to me was that he did this without raising his voice. Thank you Lee Wong for your service.

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3 replies

@artemmandrob

4 years ago

Lee Wong, you are an amazing man, a patriot and hero to me. I grew up in a military family. I am proud to call you a fellow American citizen. You have contributed more than I have. Those who question you need to question themselves. They need to remind themselves of what we stand for as a nation. More power to you, sir, and a sincere hope that more of us have your spirit and courage.

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16 replies

@TheDrakenZ

1 month ago

He's an absolutely amazing man. A true American patriot. Love from Canada ❤🤍💙 Thank you for your service.

@kishona69

3 years ago

And the fact that he's ridiculed by those with zero scars from defending their country is just absolutely mind blowing.

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33 replies

@Da-Worm

4 years ago

This man put his life to this country more than any of those cowards that gave people hard times. Salute to you sir! Thank you for your services

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5 replies

@kevinreese8224

4 years ago

You’re more American than all of the people who deny you the thought of being American enough - you’re one of my new heroes, sir ✊🏽

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Aust, US, Canada: migrant & native experiences

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'Is This Patriot Enough?': Asian American Official Shows Military Scars,...

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