Order of the Knights of Rizal held the 7th USA Regional Assembly & Conference in Las Vegas
By Alwyn B. Galela, KGOR Ohio September 9, 2018
Supreme Council delegation from the International Headquarters. Most Illustrious Supreme Commander Sir Elihu Ybanez, KGCR in the middle
Las Vegas-August 31 – September 2: Close to 200 Knights of Rizal (KOR) attended the 7th USA Regional Assembly at the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on August 31 to September 2. This event was co-sponsored by the Las Vegas and Arizona Chapters of the Western USA Region. This biennial international gathering welcomes Knights for fellowship, camaraderie and celebration. This year’s theme is- “Rizalism: Dr. Jose P. Rizal- Love of God and Country, Integrity and Tenacity”.
Meet and Greet with the Supreme Council before the pomp and circumstance
The newly-elected Supreme Council from the International Headquarters in the Philippines, headed by Sir Elihu Ybanez, KGCR, graced the event in full-force. The Supreme Council was inaugurated on June 30 at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Philippines.
The Most Illustrious Supreme Commander of the Knights of Rizal, for RY 2018-202, obtained his law degree from San Beda College of Law where he finished at the top ten of his class. Sir Eli is an accomplished jurist, a holder of various judicial awards and commendations, and a reservist of the Armed Forces of the Philippines with a rank of colonel, among others. Presently a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and is a Justice in the Philippine Court of Appeals. After being introduced by Sir Francis Sison, KGCR, Overseas Representative, Sir Eli provided a State of the Order address. He emphasized the need for unity and understanding for a stronger Order. He also provided an outline of the priorities of the KOR in the next 2 years.
The plenary sessions presented audience with reports from the 3 USA Regional Commands (plus Canada) and Area Commands. An inspirational message presented by Sir Marlon Tagorda, KGOR (Supreme Auditor) challenged Knights on personal responsibilities and humility as backdrop in being an effective Knight. He ended his speech by quoting Dr. Jose Rizal as an example for every Knight to follow-
“It is my ardent desire that without becoming enemies or disunited, six or seven Filipinos get to eclipse me completely and make everybody forget me... I would be happy if among those I have stirred, I shall find more notable champions”
New San Diego Chapter chartered during the event
The event also conferred Recognition Awards/Medals and Elevation to deserving Knights. A new San Diego-based KOR Chapter was also initiated. Sir Randy Fletcher, KGOR from Jacksonville KOR, was elevated to the rank of Knight Grand Cross of Rizal (KGCR) for his exemplary service to the Order. A total of 12 new Knights were elevated to the rank of Knight Grand Officer of Rizal (KGOR). This was held during an elegant Regional Commanders’ Ball where the Knights and their Ladies enjoyed a night of festivities and dancing wearing their Black KOR Uniform for the Knights and Gowns for the Ladies.
Elevated Knights to the rank of Knights Grand Officer of Rizal (KGOR)
Left photo: Alwyn Galela, author, elevated to Knight Grand Officer of Rizal (KGOR); Right photo: Sir Randy Fletcher being elevated to Knight Grand Cross of Rizal (KGCR)
A side trip to Saint Jude Church and Hoover Dam provided a respite from event’s pomp and circumstance. An impromptu gathering to a local restaurant capped the day with dancing and karaoke from the Knights.