Floral offering on 121st Rizal’s death anniversary
The Batangas City Government leads the floral offering at the monument of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal in front of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in commemoration of his 121st death anniversary. Joining the city government are the officers and members of the Knights of Rizal; manager of Rizal Commercial and Banking Corp. (RCBC), Bats. City, Doy Reaño; rerpresentatives from public and private schools and offices.
RIZAL DAY MESSAGE OF SEN. SONNY ANGARA
To many of us, December 30 is a holiday to celebrate the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero. One cannot help but wonder why we don’t think about Rizal Day as the day of Rizal’s execution.
The fact is that while we celebrate his life and works today, we also mourn his death. He died in Bagumbayan, our present day Luneta Park, on December 30, 1896, in the early morning, by firing squad, convicted of the crimes of rebellion, sedition, and forming illegal association. He was 35 years old.
On that fateful day 121 years ago, he walked to the field of his execution calm and unafraid and, at the last moment, turned to face the firing squad because he wanted to face his executioners.
This, perhaps, is what should give us pause every December 30. And what should give us inspiration and pride is the fact that he fought for something, far greater than self-preservation: reforms, social equality, and freedom.
“Courage,” said Maya Angelou, “is the most important of all virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”
Rizal and the other heroes during his time, gallantly fought with all courage for our independence and freedom from foreign oppressors.
Today, we are in the middle of another battle – the war against poverty – and all of us are called upon to act and respond. Will we respond with all courage and willingness too? I am optimistic that we will.
This is worth sharing as we commemorate Rizal Day. Let us pause to reflect, and acknowledge, the many acts of courage that everyday heroes around us perform.
Senator Joel Villanueva’s Rizal Day message
More than a century ago, a great man sacrificed his life to free his countrymen from the shackles of abuse and colonialism. Dr. Jose Rizal, the patriot hailed as our country’s national hero, is popularly known for his writings that ignited Filipinos’ hearts and minds to rise against an unjust and corrupt system.
As we celebrate Rizal Day, may we all take time to contemplate his teachings and principles, and ask ourselves what we can do to contribute in nation-building.
Let us further take this opportunity not only to pay tribute to Rizal’s heroic and selfless deeds, but also to strive to emulate his sense of duty and burning passion to bring progressive and nationalistic reforms for the love of our Motherland.
May this day be a meaningful commemoration for our beloved kababayans.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!