Knights retrace the early dawn steps of José Rizal

By Sir Carlos “Choy” Arnaldo, KGOR
The Supreme Pursuivant, Sir Samuel Samuela, KGOR, opened the programme of the 113th Martyrdom of José Rizal at 05:30 AM in front of the very prison where the national hero was confined. Sir Reghis Romero II, KGOR, Supreme Chancellor, wore the black overcoat and derby hat of the hero accompanied by two friars (Sir Centenera, KGOR Area Commander of Spain and Sir Reynold A. Mateo, KGOR, Area Commander of Rizal). Lady Bernardita Lizardo, President of the Kababaihang Rizalista, gave the invocation. Sir Virgilio Esguerra then addressed the group of Knights and ladies to emphasize the importance of this execution to the history and making of a nation, the Philippines.

Footsteps had already been traced on the cement and macadam paths leading from Fort Santiago to the fields of Bagumbayan where Rizal was to be executed by firing squad. Slowly as the rising sun began to light up the grey skies, the monument of José Rizal loomed large before us, the Marine Corps in full honor guard, hefting rifles into a royal salute as we took our places at the flagpole.

A special detachment raised the flag solemnly to half mast in honor of the national hero. Sir Alfredo S. Lim, KGCR, Mayor of Manila graced the occasion alongside Sir Virgilio Esguerra, KGCR, Supreme Commander.

A salvo of arms fire gave the final salute and honor as Sir Alfred S. Lim and Sir Esguerra brought their bouquets of flowers to the podium of the José Rizal statue.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 15th, 2010 at 3:25 pm and is filed under Chapter News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.