VIA Times – June 2016 Issue Vital News, Vibrant Views for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest
The Consulate General of the Philippines in Chicago, together with the Central USA Area Command of the Knights of Rizal (KOR) and leaders and members of the Filipino American community, commemorated the 155th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal on Sunday, 19 June 2015.
The highlight of this annual celebration was the symbolic wreath offering at the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Monument at Margate Park between Marine Drive and Lake Shore Drive in Chicago at 9:00 am, led by Consul General Generoso DG Calonge and Deputy Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., Commander and Deputy Commander of the Maynilad Chapter of KOR, respectively.
A program was held by the Knights and Ladies for Rizal at the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Heritage Center where additional members of the Consulate-based Maynilad Chapter were installed.
In his remarks, Consul General Generoso DG Calonge thanked everyone for their presence and participation in the activity, and underscored the importance of observing the birth anniversary of Dr. Jose. P. Rizal, our national hero.
He mentioned that honoring Rizal, who was a towering leader and inspiration to leaders of the Philippine revolution, is a fitting end to the week-long festivities celebrating the birth of the Filipino nation. He encouraged the Filipino community to have a deeper appreciation of Rizal’s life, works and martyrdom which remain relevant to this day, and “still echo in our common aspirations for progress, prosperity and peace in our motherland.”
The creation of the new Maynilad Chapter in support of the legally mandated Order of the Knights of Rizal in the Central USA Area, is one concrete contribution the Consulate General has made in memory of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
