Consul General in LA, Knights of Rizal Celebrate Jose Rizal’s 157th Birth Anniversary
Commader Orlando P. Cagampan delivers his welcome remarks. (Los Angeles PCG photo)
LOS ANGELES 04 July 2018 – Consul General in Los Angeles Adelio Angelito S. Cruz joined the Knights of Rizal-Historic Filipino Town (KOR HFT) Chapter in the celebration of the 157th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, held at the Filipino American Service Group Inc. (FASGI) Bayanihan Center on 20 June 2018.
The simple ceremony kicked off with the singing of the U.S. and Philippine National Anthems, followed by a brief biography of Rizal recounted by KOR-HFT Chapter Executive Officer Austin Baul.
Baul remarked that to become worthy beneficiaries of the freedom, independence and consciousness bequeathed to Filipinos by Rizal, it is vital that Filipino-Americans work together as one community and put aside their individual differences, regional divisions, sectoral distinctions and factional rivalries, and to unite for the greater welfare and prestige of all Filipinos.
In his remarks, Consul General Cruz emphasized the importance of honoring Rizal’s works, ideals, and martyrdom by celebrating both his birth anniversary and commemoration of his heroism.
Consul General Cruz said, “We should ensure that this great man is rightfully revered and remembered by the next generation of Filipino-Americans.” The Consul General also stressed the admirable traits of Rizal as a hero: intense love for the country, brave commitment, and strong belief in the unity of the Filipinos, as well the need to propagate these ideals and teachings that Rizal left us to the emerging generation.
The event also highlighted the solemn knighting ceremony in which Consul General Cruz, FASGI’s Board Director Geo Sargent, and Filipino-American candidate for California’s Congressional District 34 Kenneth Mejia were inducted into the Order as new members of the KOR-HFT Chapter, conducted by Commander Orlando Cagampan. END
Executive Officer of KOR-HFT Chapter Austin Baul recounts the brief profile of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. (Los Angeles PCG photo)
New members, including Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz were inducted into the Order during the Knighting Ceremony. New members were blindfolded and guided by the Brother Knights into the hall and dubbed with the sword by Chapter Commander Orlando P. Cagapampan. Afterwards, new members were asked to take their pledge as new Knights. (Los Angeles PCG photo)
For more information, visit www.philippineconsulatela.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinLA.