Seattle’s Filipino Community Remembers a Martyr
Thirty-two years after José Rizal’s execution, Seattle’s Filipino organizations staged a literary-musical tribute at Broadway Auditorium—with a University of Washington scholar as guest of honor.
Rizal Day is set aside for the commemoration of the anniversary of the execution of Dr. Jose Rizal, Filipino patriot and martyr. Rizal was executed by the Spaniards on the morning of December 30, 1896, for suspected participation in Filipino uprisings during the closing years of the nineteenth century and on other unfounded charges. Among them was the publication of his books, The Reign of Greed and The Social Cancer, which in the opinion of the Spanish authorities were seditious and blasphemous to the church. Rizal denied any connection with the uprisings and gave reasons to support his contention. In spite of that, and in the face of unfounded charges brought upon him, he was executed. Rizal met his death firm in his belief that he was innocent of the crimes he was accused of. He died a hero, patriot and martyr.
He did not believe in warfare as a means of securing the liberty of his people. He believed in peace. When he was informed that the Filipino uprisings were inspired by the use of his name, he warned them against the danger of their movement. Rizal’s fearlessness meant sacrifice—sacrifice of personal comfort, personal aggrandizement, to the beauty of service to one’s country, the beauty of standing for truth.
With Dr. Herbert H. Gowen of the department of Oriental Literature and History of the University of Washington as guest of honor, the thirty-second anniversary of the death of Dr. Jose Rizal will be commemorated by the Filipino community in Seattle with a literary-musical program in Broadway Auditorium on December 31 at 7:30 p.m. The Dimas-Alang, Inc. of America will take charge of the affair through the auspices of Burgos Lodge No. 10 of Seattle.
The program included an overture by the Filipino Navy Band, introductory remarks by Federico Plurad, a clarinet duet, a recitation by Miss Paulina Incarnacion, a vocal solo by Mrs. Pedro Santos, a tribute to Rizal, an address by Dr. Gowen, and the Philippine National Hymn and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The 1928 Rizal Day Council officers were Valeriano K. Sarusal, president; Pedro A. Borja, secretary; Urbano K. Cansal, treasurer; and Graciano N. Peruz, adviser, with Federico Plurad as chairman of the executive council.
“Rizal met his death, firm in his belief that he was innocent of the crimes he was accused of. He died a hero, patriot and martyr.”
The 1928 Rizal Day program shows Seattle’s Filipino community staging public memory in the city at a time when Filipino immigrants were a small but organized presence. Rizal Day remains a touchstone for Filipino Americans, and Broadway Auditorium—long a civic and entertainment venue—reminds us that immigrant communities have shaped Seattle’s public life for generations. The event also linked a local ethnic community to a global anti-colonial struggle.
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