Jose Rizal (1861-1896) is the premier "National Hero" of the Philippines. His writings against Spanish colonial rule are said to have inspired the Philippine Revolution of 1896. His execution by the Spanish authorities on December 30, 1896 made him a martyr. In 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo, President of the first Philippine Republic, declared December 30 as a "national day of mourning" for Rizal. Rizal was given the official title of Philippine National Hero in 1901 under the country's first American civil governor, William Howard Taft.
The 2 centavos Jose Rizal stamp issued earlier in 1946 by the Commonwealth of the Philippines was overprinted to mark the 50th anniversary of Rizal's execution. The first day of issue was December 30, 1946.
The Commonwealth Rizal post card was also overprinted.
Rizal Monument
In 1901, construction of a monument to honour Jose Rizal was approved by the United States Philippine Commission. Unveiled in 1913, the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park consists of a standing bronze sculpture of Rizal, with an obelisk as a backdrop, set on a pedestal upon which his remains are interred.
Post Office Official First Day Cover Cachet
The Rizal monument is featured on the post office cachet.
First Day Covers
