Historians unveil Rizal monument in California

A full-size statue of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Philippine National Hero, in Southern California was finally unveiled in a grand ceremony at the International Sculpture Garden located in Carson City, California recently.

A recitation of Rizal’s poem “My Last Farewell” and the re-enactment of his execution were highlights of the event.

Philippine National Historical Commission Chairperson Maria Serena I. Diokno; the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon; and Carson Mayor Jim Dear attended the ceremony.

Disyembre 30, 1896

“Ang panahon ng patriarkiya sa Pilipina ay lumilipas na. Ang mga bantog na tagumpay ng kaniyang mga anak ay di lamang sa sariling bayan tinatamasa. Ang lahing kayumanggi, dati’y matamlay sa dilim ng kasaysayan, ngayo’y gumigising na upang kamtan ang ilaw, buhay, at kalinangang ipinamana sa atin ng matandang panahon— pinapatotoo ang walang hangganang batas ng ebolusyon, pagbabagong diwa, kapanahunan, at pagsulong. “- Dr Jose Rizal, talumpati sa brindis para kay Luna at Hidalgo, 1884 Madrid. (Salin ni Imelda Cajipe Endaya)