The Rotary Balita no. 703 (August 28, 1952)

"The strength of the country depends on the strength of the people at home who rightly typify the hopes, the strength and the aspirations of any country," declared Chief Justice Robert Simmons of the Nebraska Supreme Court. Simmons who came here to gather facts about the Philippines, said he would return to the United States with an impression of friendship and of kinship with the people of the Philippines. He made it clear that communism poses a challenge to the free nations of the world. But this challenge, he said, cannot be met with any assurance of victory unless the free countries make an attempt to strengthen the spirit of the people on the home front, and make them aware of their responsibilities as citizens. He described the early attempts made by the early English settlers in the United States to create a new nation and the hard- ships they had to go through in order to translate their ideals into fact. He has observed conditions here that are somewhat similar to those said to be obtaining in his country during the early days of the American republic. "People assumed high office," he said "because they were fully conscious of the responsibilities as citizens." Simmons urged the Rotarians to undertake the project of bringing to Manila few hundred boys and girls from remote places of the archipelago every year fr them to see and feel the central government as it works. This is being done, he said in Nebraska and the results are more than encouraging. Earlier, Secretary of National Defense Ramon Magsaysay was awarded a gold me dal for his distinguished service to the nation. He was cited for his successful fight against the Huks, for his leadership in the Philippine Army and for leading dissidents to pursue more peaceful ways. In response, he said that he will continue devoting his life to fighting communism even at the risk of his life, of his family and of his constituents in Zambales. "If I am killed or liquidated," he said, "I shall die happy, knowing that I have contributed something to fighting communism." During the meeting Magsaysay received an unprecedented thunderous ovation from the Rotarians. Dr. Oscar Jacinto, sponsored by President Hans Menzi, was inducted as a "Baby." Basilio Manalo, violin virtuoso, entertain- ed the Rotarians with two selections. Dr. Herbert Zipper, noted symphony conductor, also delivered a few remarks on "Music for the Masses." He said that a national theater is what is needed in the city. He claimed that the building of this theater is not a luxury but a necessity.