KNIGHT OF RIZAL CHAPTERS IN BELGIUM CONVERGE FOR DR. RIZAL'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION 

26 June 2006 – The Philippine Embassy in Brussels, Belgium reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that upon the invitation of the Embassy, the officers and members of the El Filibusterismo, Diamond, Brussels and Lion Chapters joined in the solemn celebration of the 145th anniversary of the National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, on 19 June 2006 at the Embassy garden. 

Ambassador Cristina G. Ortega, in her remarks, congratulated the Knights of Rizal (KOR) for coming together and also took the occasion to offer to the Knights the plan of the Embassy to establish a Rizalian Library at one of the Embassy's drawing rooms.  Ambassador Ortega likewise enjoined the Knights "riot to lose the gains" that Dr. Rizal earned in Bagumbayan and be inspired by the ideals of Dr. Rizal. She requested the different Chapters to engage each other in patriotism and Rizalian chivalry citing that "in unity, there is strength.” 

The different Chapter Commanders also gave their own brief remarks. El Filibusterismo Chapter's Sir Francois Ooms spoke about Dr. Rizal being a "brother to all men," that "he did not look down on any man, and did not accept any man looking down on him." He also enjoined his brother Knights towards "true brotherhood ... regardless of where we come from" and "assisting others less well off than we are.” 

Sir Kris van Thillo, Chapter Commander for the Diamond-Antwerp Chapter quoted  Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and challenged everyone "to be honest and courageous in facing the ... Touch Me Not of today's society" and to "touch it and in God's grace, cure it.” He further enunciated that "global peace does not begin by avoiding any source of conflict... but by confronting it and finding creative and participative methods of correcting social sins that we achieve it." 

Sir Rudy Nollas, Chapter Commander for the Brussels Chapter extolled the ideals and teachings of Dr. Rizal and enjoined all knights to emulate and revere him. 

"L'union fait la force". "Eendracht maakt macht". "United We Stand" is Sir lean Jacobs of Lion Chapter's message to his fellow knights. He further expressed his concern for future generations and requested everyone to work towards development. 

During his welcome speech, Area Commander for Belgium Sir Cesar Alcoba, KOR, who was responsible for the over-all organization of the affair, enjoined his brother Knights in a fraternal hug and all Knights obliged as an expression of their renewed commitment to brotherhood and unity. 

The program started with a floral offering to Dr. Rizal at the Philippine Embassy and the different Knights of Rizal chapters in Belgium. All Embassy personnel attended the event which was followed by a reception at the Embassy garden. END