“Inspire, inspire them to carry the lamps
towards national redemption”
A message for Rizal Day
Warm patriotic greetings.
It is expected that this Rizal Day that evert message deals much with reflecting if not recalling the achievements of the late national hero.
Knowing that Rizal’s life and works comes with encouraging young and old alike to be inspired and thus perform an act of heroism in various ways, this note would say that the Filipino, in its quest for freedom has to continue embody the virtues of excellence, patriotism, and perseverance that Jose Rizal exhibited in his lifetime.
However, knowing that the Philippines is still in a state of continuing past, the desire to attain such virtues amidst corruption and injustice would say that such attainments requires a herculean task particularly that of continuous studying social realities and of performing acts of service to the people in various ways.
And it is not surprising that such words can be mellowed down by those whose nature is corrupt, that contrary to the message their actions as really opposing. What more to hear then telling each and everyone to follow Rizal’s as well as other heroes whose determination to achieve real change empower today’s Filipinos to become vigilant of the social ills that may threaten life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. Yes, follow their example, the way these self proclaimed “servant of the people” urge to call for unity, but, that unity, that vigilance, and determination Filipinos embody may turn against them- especially when corruption, disenfranchisement, and various forms of oppression continue to prevail.
And like Rizal’s works expect modern day Simouns to carry over the lamps that meant fear for the oppressor and hope for the oppressed. That’s all.