The 1958 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service

RESPONSE of  Chiang Mon Lin
Ramon Magsaysay Award Presentation Ceremonies
31 August 1958, Manila, Philippines

It has been said civilization is but a lengthening shadow of its great men. How true it is. But the idea of a great man changes its meaning as times change. In the 19th century, a great man may have meant an empire builder, no matter in what field of endeavor he was engaged.

In the middle of the 20th century, after two world wars, a great man must be a great leader of the common man.

So it was with Ramon Magsaysay. Such a leader knows no national boundaries. His influence extends to every corner of the four seas.

With such an understanding, I come here to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award. In a deeper sense, I come here to pay my humble tribute to this great leader rather than to receive the honor bestowed upon me and my colleagues in the Sino-American Joint Commission on Rural Reconstruction.

In another sense, the work of the Joint Commission on Rural Reconstruction falls in line with the spirit of Ramon Magsaysay— to work for the benefit of the largest number of people in the rural districts.

May my colleagues and myself take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the members of the Foundation for conferring upon us this great honor.

I thank you.

Note: Salutations preceding all Responses have been omitted.
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