27 August 2010 - The Philippine Consulate General New York and the Benigno Aquino Triangle Foundation jointly commemorated the 27th death anniversary of Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. on August 21.
In simple ceremonies held at the Benigno Aquino Triangle in New York, Consul General Cecilia Rebong and Chairperson of the Benigno Aquino Triangle Foundation Dra. Connie Quiambao, laid wreaths alongside the marker, festooned with yellow streamers and balloons for the occasion. This was followed by the raising of the Philippine flag and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, led by Mr. Antero Martinez, who is taking over the reins as head of the Benigno Aquino Triangle Foundation from Dra. Quiambao. Deputy Consul General Melita Sta. Maria-Thomeczek and Consuls Zaldy Patron and Elena Maningat joined Consul General Rebong at these solemn ceremonies.A memorial mass followed at the Philippine Center in Manhattan, officiated by Monsignor Oscar Aquino, a personal friend of the Aquino family.
In his touching sermon, Msgr. Aquino gave his personal account of 21 August 1983, when he was waiting with the Aquino family at the Manila International Airport for the arrival of the Senator, only to be informed hours later that Senator Aquino had been taken, and that they could "see the body" at Camp Crame.
Msgr. Aquino described the incredible shock and anger he felt, how sad it was to see no-one coming to visit the family in the hours after the tragedy, and how heartwarming it was to later see droves of people coming to pay their respects, despite the very real danger they faced in doing so.
Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. is now recognized as a national hero of the Philippines along with Dr. Jose Rizal and revolutionary Andres Bonifacio. His death anniversary is considered a public nationwide national holiday, with the passage into law of Republic Act 9256.
Senator Aquino, who was gunned down at the tarmac of the Manila International Airport, was a turning point for the history of the Filipino people and a catalyst for everything that has transpired since.
The Benigno Aquino Triangle was constructed in 1986 authorized under a NYC Council Resolution; a project spearheaded by the Benigno Aquino Triangle Foundation.
It is included in the park listing of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.
The Triangle has a special memorial plaque for the late Senator, flanked by two flag poles waving the Philippine flag on the right and the US flag on the left.
Every year, the Consulate General and the Benigno Aquino Triangle Foundation leads the community in remembering and honoring the slain hero. END