Dec. 30, 1896: Dr. Jose Rizal executed in Bagumbayan
José Rizal monument in Jersey City, New Jersey | Photo from wikimedia
On December 30, 1896, Dr. Jose Rizal was taken from his cell at Fort Santiago in Manila. He had been falsely convicted by the Spanish authorities of rebellion, sedition and conspiracy. He was led to the Bagumbayan (Luneta) and was executed by a firing squad. With the piercing sound of the bullets, the birth of a national hero was complete.
The Spanish had made a big mistake. Dr. Jose Rizal was not a revolutionary who supported the Philippine Revolution of 1896. Dr Rizal was a gradualist and reformer. When he created the La Liga Filipina upon his return from Europe in 1891, he still thought that the corrupt and decaying Spanish rule in the Philippines could be reformed in favor of the Filipinos.
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It is imperative that we remember the final words of Jose Rizal. As he sat at a crude desk in his cell at Fort Santiago, he wrote a profound and informative poem entitled “Mi Ultimo Adios” (The Last Farewell). His final words should serve as a pathway and legacy for all. He was only 35 years old at his death.
The following is an excerpt from The Last Farewell: “…Farewell to thee, too sweet friend that lightened my way; Beloved creatures all, farewell! In death there is rest!” In this very personal expression of his life, Jose Rizal was referring to all Filipinos. Every Filipino and all people throughout the world should attempt to emulate his life.
One of the best Jose Rizal memorials outside of Manila is in Jersey City, New Jersey. When one walks south on Brunswick Street in Jersey City to the corner with Christopher Columbus Drive, there is a majestic statue and memorial for Jose Rizal. The site is naturally called Rizal Park. The park has had many wreaths laying commemorations over the years for Jose Rizal.
In 2000, some dedicated members of the Philippine-American community in Northern New Jersey and members of the Order of the Knights of Rizal created and dedicated a hallowed location for the memorial. Former Philippine President. Joseph Estrada attended the dedication event on October 24, 2000.
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In 2016, the Knights of Rizal completed some renovation and upgrades to the memorial. An improved statue of Jose Rizal was added. On November 6, 2025, of this year, the Knights of Rizal completed several upgrades to the park including the repainting of the historical marker in the park.
On December 30, 2025, there will be many commemoration events dedicated to the courage and heroism of Jose Rizal. These events will be held worldwide, including in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Dennis Edward Flake is the author of three books on Philippine-American history. He is a Public Historian and a former park ranger in interpretation for the National Park Service at the Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg, PA. He can be contacted at: flakedennis@gmail.com
