The Rotary Balita no. 685 (November 29, 1951)

Thanksgiving was observed today with fellow Rotarian, Rev. Charles Malotte, of the Union Church of Manila as guest speaker. He traced back the origin of Thanksgiving in the United States to as early as the years of the Pilgrim fathers. Charles said the "Thanksgiving" means that "we recognize and acknowledge a power in our lives greater than our own. For those who believe in God, it means that what we have and what we are has not come through our own efforts alone, but because of a creating and sustaining power within and beyond us to whom our hearts go out in gratitude. Without this recognition, Thanksgiving degenerates into a mockery of self-praise." "Thanksgiving means," he continued, "that we shall develop an enlightened self-interest which knows that the best way one can serve one's own self is to serve others." Explaining further, he said, "The times of greatest danger have been those of an easy optimism. Nations have been overthrown by conquest from without but far more have been destroyed by moral decay and the dangers of prosperity. In times of great prosperity, men become more overpowered with greed, wealth becomes centered in the hands of a few; contrast between poverty and riches is great; and men, in the incessant struggle tend to forget their fellowmen." Charles expressed the hope that the Philippines continue to observe Thanksgiving Day. Gil Puyat was given a tremendous ovation for running second in the senatorial lineup. Fay Bailey, sub-manager of the National City Bank of New York who is retiring and leaving for the United States was presented a Rotary banner by President Vince. President Vince Bunuan was nominated candidate for governor of the 48th Rotary District. He was chosen from among other nominees, namely: Manoling Lim, Ben Legarda, and Balmy Balmaceda,