FLOURENCE J.

ZAFRAN GE 9 – BX
BSN-II SEPTEMBER 27, 2021

Rizal as a National Hero

Rizal's death, contrary to the Spanish plans, greatly boosted the revolutionary movement.
Outraged by their hero's death, Filipinos rallied to the cause of independence, sparking the revolt
that would eventually bring the Philippines under Spanish authority. Rizal was a great martyr who
stood up against injustice when others remained silent. His views aided in the formation of a
national identity for the Philippines, which was a novel concept in Asia at the time. He fought for
his ideals till he died. With the death of this intellectual titan, his country suffered a terrible loss,
since he would have undoubtedly played a key role in the Philippines gaining independence and
respect. The world has lost an outstanding citizen, a multi-talented man with a great mind. He
accomplished so much in his limited 35 years that one can only think what he might have
contributed to the world and the discipline of ophthalmology if he had lived a longer life. He gave
sight to his patients, and he gave vision to his country.
Rizal is regarded as a national hero in the Philippines, where he has become a symbol of
the country's quest for independence. In the Philippines, December 30, the date of Rizal's execution
in 1896, is commemorated as a national holiday. In Manila, the Jose Rizal College was named
after him in 1919. In Manila, at the site of his execution in Luneta Park, in his hometown and most
Filipino villages, in Heidelberg, and in Chicago, there are commemorative monuments honoring
Rizal. His image can be found on a two-peso bill in the Philippines. Rizal was named after the
region surrounding Manila, which included his homeland of Calamba. His books are obligatory
reading for high school students in the Philippines. Perhaps the simplest way to summarize Jose
Rizal is to use his own words from the poem he penned from his cell the night before his execution.
One of the final stanzas of "Ultimo Adios" (Final Farewell) demonstrates his unselfish dedication
to his country, familial loyalty, deep spirituality despite church criticism, and creative flair.