Prominently featured in this special issue of the El Heraldo de la Revolucion was the poem "Al Heroes Nacional" (To the National Hero), composed by the Poet Laureate Don Cecilio Apostol. This poem and President Aguinaldo’s December 20, 1898, decree show how the Filipino people idolized Dr. Rizal as their national hero so soon after his death.

Many lofty titles were bestowed by scholars on Rizal, like the "Tagalog Christ," the "Messiah of the Philippine Revolution," and the "Pride and Hero of the Malay Race." Through his works, especially his Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Dr. Rizal articulated the Filipino people’s right to be free. On December 30, 1896 – 111 years ago today, Rizal was executed at Bagumbayan. His death transformed him into a national symbol leading to the national awakening of his countrymen. His struggles for and on behalf of his country and people made him the ideal symbol for his country and people. His ideas on human rights, human values, the dignity of man, and love of country made him the ideal model for the Filipino people.

Dr. Jose P. Rizal was convinced that it was the duty of every Filipino to fight for the country’s freedom. "I am not repenting," he wrote, "for having undertaken this campaign. If I were now in the beginning of my life, I would do the same that I have done, because it was the duty of everyone; and God would ask me, why did you not combat the evil and injustice when you saw them?" He also wrote: "There are no tyrants if there are no people willing to be enslaved" and "There is no future for an enslaved people."

National dignity, national pride, and self-respect flourish when national heroes are honored and their sacrifices, valor, and integrity are upheld and imitated by succeeding generations.