Filipino community honors Rizal in Los Angeles ceremony

Wreath-laying ceremony at FCC/FACLA Rizal Monument on 121st Rizal Day. CONTRIBUTED

LOS ANGELES – Filipino Americans laid a wreath on a monument of Dr. Jose P. Rizal to mark the 121^st anniversary of the national hero’s martyrdom on Rizal Day, December 30.

The Knights of Rizal-Central LA and the Filipino and officers of the Filipino Community Center (FACLA) started the morning ceremony with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, followed by an invocation by Sir Antonio Berango.

After opening remarks by Dr. Marc Caratao led the Knights of Rizal and other civic organizations in laying wreaths at the foot of Rizal Monument at the northern portion of the FCC Compound.

JFAV gold medals awarded on 121st Rizal Day at FCC/FACLA: From left to right (seated) Exeltacion Divinagracia, Inday Bordaje Grace Ballane and Rosalie Caratao, all veterans’ survivors (widows, daughters of veterans). Standing, Arturo P. Garcia, Rey Ganon, Bernia Ganon and Rudolfo Ferran, Knights of Rizal-Central LA. CONTRIBUTED

The crowd sang “Bayan Ko.” FCC/FACLA Director Bernie Ganon was the emcee.

Rizalian speakers and Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) Gold Medal Awardees spoke on the virtues and ideals of Rizal: Dr. Leo Pandac; Sir Jun Caringal of the Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA; Area Commander of the Knights of Rizal Sir Antonio Berango.

Group picture of the Knights of Rizal at the Rizal monument after the program at FCC/FACLA compound. Lunch was served by the PBMA Chapter who are devoted Rizalians. CONTRIBUTED

Then JFAV Gold Medals were given to four veterans’ survivors namely, Rosalie P. Caratao, Exeltacion Divinagracia, Inday Bordaje and Grace Ballane (who represented her mother, Helen Ballane). They were given out by Ganon and JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia.

A sumptuous lunch was served After the program.