[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 56 (Friday, April 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DR. JOSE RIZAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 15, 2011

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Dr. 
Jose Rizal in celebration of the 150th anniversary of his birth on June 
19, 1861. His writings and dedication to his country continue to 
inspire Filipinos, who widely regard him as the national hero of the 
Philippines. His allegiance to his homeland resonates with Filipino-
Americans, and stirs a renewed patriotism in the hearts of all 
Americans.
  A doctor, philosopher, historian, and artist, Dr. Rizal is best known 
for his influential writings during the Philippine struggle for 
independence. Born in the Philippine province of Laguna in 1861, he 
traveled throughout the world for his studies and medical practice, 
earning degrees from universities in the Philippines and Europe. While 
studying in Spain in 1887, he wrote two novels, Noli Me Tangere and its 
sequel II Filibusterismo, depicting the Filipinos' devotion to their 
country and yearning for freedom from colonial rule. These works 
inspired the struggle for independence in the Philippines but also 
placed Rizal's life in danger of persecution by the ruling government.
  Eager to be of service to his country's cause, Dr. Rizal returned to 
the Philippines in 1892. Upon his return, he was exiled to the South of 
the Philippines. Despite great struggles, he sought to improve the 
lives of those around him by building a medical clinic, conducting 
religious classes, and teaching agricultural practices. Four years 
later, as the Philippine Revolution began to strengthen, he was 
convicted of inciting the rebellion with his writings and was sentenced 
to death. On the eve of his execution, Dr. Rizal wrote Mi Ultimo adios, 
a poem bidding farewell to his beloved country, attesting to his 
dedication to seeking a free and independent country.
  Dr. Rizal's legacy lives on in his writings, and Filipinos throughout 
the world remember him as the idealistic force behind their struggle 
for independence. He fought for his country not with the sword, but 
with the peaceful power of his ideas.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Jose 
Rizal. We remember his legacy in honor of the Filipino-Americans in our 
communities. May his legacy continue to instill in all of us a renewed 
dedication to serving our country.

                          ____________________