The Making of a Leader and a Hero

WHAT MAKES A HERO?

According to the National Heroes Committee, heroes...
- Have a concept of nation and aspire and struggle for a nation's freedom
- Define and contribute to a nation's freedom, order, quality of life and destiny
- Are part of the people's expression
- Think of future generations

Some Filipinos believe that the Americans, particularly William H. Taft, was responsible for the veneration of Rizal as the national hero.
The Revolutionary Government gave tribute to Rizal to show their appreciation for his contributions to the country.
Rizal was proclaimed a National Hero by the First Philippine Republic six years before the alleged proclamation of Taft.

According to Renato Constantino, Rizal did not deserve to be the Philippines's national hero.
Pio Valenzuela's Memoirs of the KKK and the Philippine Revolution presents the radical and revolutionary concepts of Rizal, disproving the view that he is against the revolution.
Rizal opposed the immediate start of the revolution, not the movement itself.
Further confirmation of Rizal's support for the Philippine revolution can be traced in the second stanza of his poem "Mi Ultimo Adios".

Foremost national heroes of other countries are soldier-generals, like George Washington of the US.
Rafael Palma stated the case of Rizal versus Bonifacio, emphasizing the importance of Rizal's pen in redeeming the people from political slavery.
The revolution prepared by Bonifacio was only the effect of spiritual redemption wrought by the pen of Rizal.

Rizal was a literary genius, scientist and inventor, doctor, effective teacher, nationalist, observant traveler, martyr, propagandist and reformist, good lover, and linguist.
Rizal organized the first fraternity in the country when he was in UST.
Rizal founded two associations in Europe: Indios Bravos & Kidlat Club.
Rizal became the supremo of the propaganda movement.
Rizal became a master mason.
Rizal founded the La Liga Filipina.
Rizal became an honorary President of the Katipunan.

Rizal's hero status is demonstrated in the wide variety of biographics, political status, and general monographs.
Rizal inspired his people to identify with the Philippines and talked about national identity and pride.
Rizal's nationalistic contributions include his novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" and other nationalistic poems and essays.
Rizal had a sense of the future for the country, which is why he wrote a poem "To the Filipino Youth".
Rizal is being honored by public worship for his extraordinary service to the Filipino people, before and after his death.

Rizal was not an "American-made hero" and was proclaimed as the National Hero by the First Philippine Republic.
Rizal supported the revolution but opposed the immediate start of it due to lack of arms.
Rizal is worthy to be the national hero as his life served as the inspiration of the nation to be free and cherish freedom. His teachings are still valid today.

Balsamo, Jonathan, "Unti-Unti Akong Nagbago: Ang Buhay-Estudyante ni Rizal sa Ateneo"
- Published in Philippine Historical Society Bulletin, Vol. XLIII 2009
- Pages: 120-125
Dela Cruz, Arleigh Ross, "Rizal Meets Pio Valenzuela: The Conference of Jose Rizal and Pio Valenzuela in Dapitan"
- Published in Philippine Historical Society Bulletin, Vol. XLIII 2009
- Pages: 155-165
Zaide, Gregorio et al (1999) "Jose Rizal: Life, Works, and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist, and National Hero"
- 2nd Edition
- Published by All-Nations Publishing: QC
Online sources:
- http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-247161.html
- http://www.articlehit.com
- http://www.pinoypress.net/2008/12/30/why-jose-rizal-did-not-deserve-to-be-national-hero/

Thank you for reading "Love of Country is never crased once it gets to the heart"
Author: Jose Po Rizal
Website: www.alonlineshop