Jose Rizal and Filipino Soldiers Memorial

During PH Heritage Month and this Memorial Day weekend let us pay respect to Jose Rizal (b.1861-d.1896) considered one of the greatest heroes of the Philippines. He was a nationalist writer, ophthalmologist, and supporter of the Filipino Propaganda Movement. He was executed by the Spanish colonial government though he was not involved in the Philippine Revolution in its planning or conduct. His power and fame is in his poetry and words. He was also a polyglot conversant in 22 languages. Here are quotes of his writing:

“Ignorance is servitude, because as a man thinks, so he is; a man who does not think for himself and allows himself to be guided by the thought of another is like the beast led by a halter. The tyranny of some is possible only through the cowardice of others.” —from Letter to the Young Women of Malolos, 1889

“I wish to show those who deny us patriotism that we know how to die for our country and convictions.”

Think about the spineless GOP U.S. Congress afraid to speak out now against twice impeached, convicted of rape, facing 88 felony counts, candidate who calls military POWs losers, former POTUS Trump.

“I die without seeing dawn’s light on my country…You who will see it, welcome it for me…don’t forget those who fell during the nighttime.”—Noli Me Tángere.

Here Rizal knows he will be executed before the Philippines gains independence.

Let us then also remember all those who died fighting for Philippine independence. Let us remember those Filipinos who fought alongside the U.S. Army in WWII. And Filipino-Americans who have served and serve in the U.S, Armed Forces today, including my kumpaire, James San Nicolas Salinas, maestro in Guam, and many former students on Tinian and Saipan. Biba!

Joey aka “Pepe Batbon” Connolly is a retired educator who taught in the CNMI, NOLA, and LVNV. He is the Poet Laureate of Tinian and enjoys stargazing.