Rizal National Monument, One Rizal Park, Manila
30 December 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the commemorative rites for the 116th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at Rizal Park in Manila.

The President was joined in the flag-raising ceremony by Vice President Jejomar Binay, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. Also present during the ceremonies were Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa, Order of Knights of Rizal Supreme Commander Reghis Romero II and Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines Grand Master Santiago Gabionza Jr.

The flag-raising ceremony, which was also held simultaneously in various cities and municipalities nationwide, was immediately followed by a laying of the wreath on Rizal’s monument. Eight descendants of the Rizal clan witnessed the ceremony.

This year’s commemoration of Rizal Day is the 100th anniversary of the transfer of Rizal’s mortal remains from his sister Narcisa’s house in Binondo, Manila to the National Hero’s monument in Luneta. A reenactment of the transfer of Rizal’s urn was staged again by members of the Supreme Council and the Council of Elders of the International Order of the Knights of Rizal clad in original Caballeros de Rizal uniform.

“Rizal 2012: Ehemplo ng Sambayanan sa Tuwid na Daan” is this year’s theme for Rizal Day.

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