An Execution of Contrast: On the observance of Dr. Jose P. Rizal's Death Anniversary:

December 30, 2006. At around 6:00 A.M., Baghdad time, Saddam Hussein, a long time totalitarian leader of Iraq, was hanged for crimes against humanity. Around that time, somewhere in Dearborn, Michigan, Iraqi-Americans were celebrating the death of a tyrant. It was a cause for celebration for the millions of Iraqi people who have suffered a lot from his tumultuous reign. It was not the end of violence in Iraq but it's a milestone nonetheless.

At the same date, also in the morning, 110 years ago, a talented patriot and courageous individual was executed by firing squad by exploitive Spaniards in Bagumbayan (now, Rizal Park), Manila. The morning's brightness was turned into outright mourning, a dark day in the hearts of all Filipinos. It was a day to remember the oppressions, the excesses of the conquistadores. Someone was martyred that day to ignite the raging sentiments that has been churning in the consciousness of the people after four centuries of Spanish exploitation in the Philippine archipelago.

Around 2 o'clock in the afternoon, a simple ceremony was held in front of the Seafood City Supermart in Carson, California, where the bust of The Great Filipino was standing. Organized by civic-minded Fil-Ams like Fe Koons, Carson Councilmember Elito M. Santarina and other veterans. A woman veteran spoke and expressed her feelings about their travails during the war…and, now. Mayor Jim Dear of Carson was also present to give his opening remark. The amiable Carson councilmember read a poignant passage from the writings of the hero. To cap the event, two highly-charged Filipino songs-"Ako ay Pilipino" and "Bayan ko"-exuding the classic nationalistic fervor were rendered. It was touching to hear them again. For me, it was like being anchored or rooted back to the country of my birth. Some I saw were even teary-eyed. The only thing I noticed in this event was many Fil-Ams coming in and coming out of the supermart just passed by the event with complete nonchalance. It's such an important event worth participating with and I am not chastising anyone. I know time is important for all of us. I remember a very popular Filipino saying, "Kung hindi ka lumingon sa iyong pinanggalingan, hindi ka makararating sa iyong paruroonan." In short, it's imperative we must look back where we came from (past) so we could reach our destination (future). Our roots are important. Just like a tree, they let us stand tall, solid and confident. We are not likely to topple down when hit by the typhoons of challenges. The roots of our spirit anchor us down…wherever we are in this planet.

An execution does not necessarily mean an end; in fact, it could be likened to a coin. Its effect has two faces: heads and tails. It is heads for the revered Great Leader of the Philippines, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. His execution lit the patriotic spirit of his people. It marked the defining moment for the eventual freedom of the Motherland. Tails for Saddam Hussein whose reign of terror and bloodshed tainted the name of Iraq in ignominy. It was indeed an end long overdue for the unloved leader. ([email protected]) © 2007: Vics Magsaysay, Long Beach, California E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.yessy.com/vicsmagsaysay Tel. No.: 1-562-988-8434