The day he said goodbye

We all look forward to national holidays. No work, no classes, a day to relax and rest. These are some of the reasons why we remember and love Rizal Day. We know who, what, and when this is about, but do we know why? Do we, really?

We know Jose Rizal and his works, that’s for sure. We know him as the embodiment of nationalism and martyrdom. We know him as the national hero of the country and that the day is a commemoration of his sacrifice for Filipino lives. This commemoration is celebrated with the raising of the Philippine flag and wreath-laying ceremonies at Luneta Park and some other places where his shrines and monuments are. This year, the Department of Interior and Local Government has given us the theme, “Rizal: Para sa Agham, Katotohanan at Buhay,” a theme so fitting for the influences of the contemporary times.

Debates, however, have emerged back in the past on the appropriateness of Rizal Day. It is because to celebrate his death anniversary is quite the opposite of the jovial occasion of celebrating his birthday which is June 19. The basis for the December 30 reference was the day when Rizal was shot at the Bagumbayan Field for rebellion, sedition and for forming an illegal association. Looking at the two dates, the birth of the hero and the day of his demise, both are of historical relevance but a decree issued by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898 declaring December 30 as the “national day of mourning” for Rizal and other victims of the Spanish dominion ruled over and gave way for the Philippine Commission to enact Act. No. 345 on February 1, 1902 which set the same date of each year as Rizal Day.

Some other statutes were enacted in relation to the said holiday. President Quirino enacted RA No. 229, which created a committee to take charge of the celebration of Rizal Day in every municipality and chartered city. The Arroyo administration has enacted the Administrative Order No. 44 s. 2002 directing the chairman of the National Historical Institute to be the spearhead of the observance of Rizal Day on December 30, 2002. These highlight the importance and appreciation we have of the past.

Rizal Day hopes to arouse the fervor of nationalism within us. By immortalizing the deeds of Jose P. Rizal, may Filipinos be inspired and be brought together to achieve a peace-driven country. It is a day worthy of celebration and remembrance of our national hero’s great love for our country, the greatest love there is.