07 January 2014- The City of Carson, in cooperation with Dr. Jose P. Rizal Monument Movement (JPRMM), commemorated the 117th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal with a wreath-laying ceremony on 29 December 2013 at the International Sculpture Garden, City of Carson, California.
The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, led by Consul Marlowe Miranda, and the City Council of Carson, led by Mayor Jim Dear and Mayor Pro Tem Elito Santarina, laid their respective wreaths at the foot of the Rizal Monument.
Leaders of the various Filipino-American associations in Southern California were also present at the event. The program included invocation by Ms. Naomi Armada, Founder and Executive Director of the Philippine Heritage Institute International (PHII) and welcome remarks by JPRMM Chairman Mr. Chito Mandap. Carson City Mayor Jim Dear and Mayor Pro Tem Santarina, delivered brief messages recognizing the event the mainstreaming of Filipino culture in America. Mr. Santarina also read the complete text of City Resolution 13-121 which was recently passed by the Carson City Council, declaring December 30 of every year as Rizal Day in the city.
The Rizal Monument, with the statue standing at 8 feet on top of a 7-foot granite pedestal, was unveiled in September 2012 and is the first monument to be installed in the International Sculpture Garden of Carson. END