Rizal Day in Carson: Commemorating the third annual Rizal Day and the 119th death anniversary and martyrdom of the Philippines national hero. From left are Aaliya Mariah Magcasi, who sang the Star Spangled Banner, poet Tony Berango, Kalayaan Incorporated president Josie E. de Jesus, Carson City Clerk Jim Dear, Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim, Bellflower Mayor Sonny Sta. Ines, Carson Mayor Pro Tem Elito M. Santarina, MC Lydia V. Solis, Monchito Mandap, chair of the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Monument Movement, and Sam Santiago, who sang Lupang Hinirang and Ang Bayan Kong Mahal.
Photo: Joe Cobilla
Wreath-laying was led by Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim and the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles staff; Carson City Council, City Clerk and Commissioners led by Mayor Pro Tem Elito M. Santarina; Bellflower Mayor Sonny Sta. Ines, and Knights of Rizal.
On December 17, 2013, the Carson City Council unanimously voted to establish December 30 of each year as Dr. Jose P. Rizal Day—a unique gift from Mayor Jim Dear, Mayor Pro Tem Elito M. Santarina, Councilmembers Mike A. Gipson, Albert Robles, and Eula Davis-Holmes.
Maria Sereno Diokno, chairperson of the National Historical Commission, attended the inauguration of the Rizal monument on September 29, 2012. The 7 ½-foot statue of Dr. Rizal is the only life-sized statue in California. The erection of the 15-foot monument was a journey of more than 10 years by the Jose P. Rizal Monument Movement, chaired by Monchito Mandap, Western USA Area Commander, Knights of Rizal California. It is the first and the only monument in the Carson Sculpture Garden of Heroes.