The 1958 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service

RESPONSE of  Mary Rutnam
Ramon Magsaysay Award Presentation Ceremonies
31 August 1958, Manila, Philippines

I consider it a great privilege and honor to be chosen as one of the Ramon Magsaysay Awardees and to be able to be present on this memorable occasion.

The ideals for which Ramon Magsaysay, your late President, stands have been a great example and inspiration, not only to his own people but to those of other lands as well.

I greatly appreciate the privilege accorded to me of visiting Manila and meeting his beloved people who are today celebrating his 51st birthday in befitting manner.

I thank the Board of Trustees for the arrangements made for my stay here and the kind hospitality shown to me. I am sure on my return to Colombo I will have much that will be of interest and value to pass on to the people of Ceylon.

My thanks are also due to the Rockefeller family who have been great benefactors to many notable causes. The presence of two of that family here today is a testimony of their great interest in all world-wide efforts for the uplift and benefit of mankind. I feel very proud of this opportunity of meeting them personally.

I conclude by quoting a few lines written long ago but very appropriate for the present occasion:

"The lives of great men all remind us,

We can make our lives sublime

And departing leave behind us,

Footprints on the sands of time."

Once again I thank you all.