Every nation has handful requirements to be considered as one. Among such requirements is history, a national anthem, coat of arms and others that serve as symbols of a country and are the things that put life to a mass of land positioned in the earth’s surface. And for me, the basic thing which makes such things for a country is its own history. It is just like my own country which its long history determined its national flag, national anthem and other nationalistic symbols. But among the thing which keeps confronting my mind is our national hero as is it really him that should be our national hero.
Jose P. Rizal is the name of the national hero of the Republic of the Philippine which unlike Joan of Arc, uses pen rather than sword which for him is mightier than the conventional. Rizal as being recounted and introduced by our history books is a man of wealthy family and in his time is considered a genius. Well, as one who comes from a wealthy family, he opt to study abroad particularly Medicine in Madrid, Spain which on that time can be considered as a luxurious destination for anyone. Also, in his credits are several women whom he has an affectionate relation. And for all these, Rizal can be considered as an illustrious person capable of affecting the beliefs, ideologies and perhaps the personalities of all whom he come contact with.
Heroism is said to be being different from the others and in time when Rizal was born, he is considered an exceptional one considering his ability. But I personally come to think of it, if Rizal was burn in the present day, would he has the same recognition as he has in his life or he will just be another guy walking on the streets. And considering that he comes from a well to do family, will he be another rich kid loitering and squandering the fortune of his family? But such questions will remain unanswered as history has dictated what a Jose Rizal would be in the pages of our history books and consequently in the life of the Filipinos.
All of us have the chance to be a hero in our own way and as heroism is defined as doing good for others even if it cause our lives, it is for us to treat when such opportunity to be a hero comes. After all, heroism is not dictated but an opportunity grabbed only by those who have brave hearts in them……………….. God bless the Philippines