The part of my Blog article about Boy Scouts Postage Stamp
Breaking their promise: The Jamboree tragedy of ’63
August 2, 2010, 9:16am http://www.mb.com.ph/
The 24 heroes of the Philippine Boy Scouts contigent who all died in a plane crash while on their way to the 11th World Scout Jamboree on July 28, 1963.
Rain was coming down hard, and most of the Boy Scouts had preferred to stay in the comfort of their rooms, when Chito sat down to write on a postcard. He did not know that it was to be his last message:
Dearest Pa, Ma, Brothers, Sister and Everybody:
We arrived in Bangkok at 10:25 PM (Manila Time) safe and in good condition. We departed Hong Kong at 8:45 p.m. (Manila Time). I already sent to Pati a postcard. Please pray for me. Thank you. Love, Kisses and prayers,
Chito
From Bangkok, Chito and his fellow Scouts boarded a flight bound for Bombay, India. It was their last flight on earth.
Men, fishing on the sea off the town of Madh, heard the loud explosion. Morning arrived only to bring the start of search operations.
“They are so young to die.”
Throughout the country, news of the disaster spread like wild fire. Shock reigned among relatives, friends, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and the entire country. Everybody hoped and prayed, but in vain. Misfortune carried the day. Everywhere, newspapers confirmed the great tragedy: The entire contingent to the 11th World Scout Jamboree died in a plane crash.
That was July 28, 1963.
“He is not dead,” one mother wailed, “He promised to return. He cannot be dead.”
The Scout broke his promise: he did not return alive.
At the BSP National Headquarters, a prayer vigil was held as calls, telegrams, and cable messages in a massive display of sympathy poured in.
Luminaries of many countries, such as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Paul VI, the President of the Republic of India, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the President of Indonesia, Sukarno, offered their condolences.
Expressing the bereavement of an entire nation, President Diosdado Macapagal said:
“The Boy Scouts died in the line of duty. Their noble death shall inspire the youth and the nation.”
Amid the sadness and suffering, the Filipinos determined to fulfill their duty to participate in the historical gathering in Europe. On the third of August 1963, Scouts Nicasio Fernandez, Guillermo Flores and Louis Santiago left Manila as a token delegation to the Greek Jamboree. The following day, the frigate Kripan of the Indian Navy steamed to the site of the crash in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Madh. Indian Consul General to the Philippines K.M. Modi and Commander J.D. Cooper of the Indian Navy laid a giant wreath on the waters to honor the dead.
In Europe, in the historic plains of Marathon, at the very site of the great international event, the Chief Scout of Greece, Crown Prince Constantinos, formally opened the Eleventh World Scout Jamboree amidst the 14,000 delegates from 85 nations of the world-minus the 24 heroes from the little country in the far corner of Southeast Asia.
The Philippine Flag Republic of the Philippines and Boys Scout's Seal was still broth out ans called in the Parade of delegates in the opening of the event to remember the scout's and all members boys and girls scouts, committee members ans people from the bleachers take a minute of silence ans bow whale the Philippine Flag and Scout Seal is on parade after The Flag of the Republic of the Philippines stood at half-staff at the Sub-Camp called Antiochis, where the Filipino boys would have stayed had they made it alive to the great gathering. Fifty-mile winds struck at Marathon, knocking tents down, spraying sand and dust everywhere, sweeping and destroying many fixtures. Nature herself was crying and sending a somber atmosphere in sympathy at the ill fate which befell the noble Scouts of the Philippines contingent.
While the Scouts of the world — minus their Filipino brothers — came together in the ancient country of Greece, Masses and necrological services were being offered in the Philippines. At the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Fernando E. V. Sison, president of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, spoke to the parents and kin of the 24 Scouts and Scouters:
“My Friends, it is not given to man to bring the dead back to life. But perhaps it would be wrong or amiss for me to say here that in more than just a symbolic way, these Scouters and Scouts are not dead. They live, and shall continue to live in our midst. Their spirit of honor, of loyalty to God and country, their allegiance to the Scout Law of helping people at all times, this spirit of honor did not perish in the Arabian Sea; this spirit of honor came back to us with these mortal remains. And this spirit has entered into thousands of young hearts who look forward to their Scouting days of yesterday.”
A grieving Antonio C. Delgado, father of Scout Jose Antonio Delgado, responded on behalf of the parents and relatives of the fallen Scouts and Scouters:
“For this is the other side of the coin of grief. The glory. The honor. The triumph. … In the forefront of these boys’ minds were always held as shining goals the noble ideals of the Scout Oath: ‘honor…duty…God…country! These boys kept their honor; and they kept the faith; and they gave their all for their country… and I am sure they kept themselves in the friendship of God.”
A time too grieve
After the tragedy, the parents and relatives of the departed continued to meet and exchange stories of their young boys. Their meetings led to the formation of the 11th World Jamboree Memorial Foundation. Memorial and markers were put up. The Ala-Ala Mausoleum was erected at Manila’s North Cemetery. Streets in Quezon City were renamed in honor of the Scouts. The fallen Scouts and Scouters were each conferred a special Gold Medal of Honor. At the center of Tomas Morato rose the monument of the 24 Scouts as a tribute to fallen heroes. Monuments of Scouts were also built in schools they attended like in Letran, San Sebastian and others.
Two years later, in 1965, the Maharashtra State Association of the Bharat Scouts and Guides set up a memorial tablet in honor of the twenty-four. In July 4, the tablet was unveiled by Srimati Lakshmi Mazumdar, National Commissioner of the
Bharat Scouts and Guides.
The tablet reads:
“In memory of the twenty-four Boy Scouts & Scouters of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines who perished in an airplane crash over the turbulent waters of the Arabian Sea near Bombay before dawn of Sunday, July 28th 1963 on their way to the 11th Boy Scouts World Jamboree in Marathon, Greece.”
Many years later, in 1988, President Corazon C. Aquino, Chief Scout of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, declared the 28th of July of every year as Scout Memorial Day from the Presidential Decree No 341
Today, years after that Black Sunday, the 24 Scouts and Scouters are not just streets, monuments or markers but are still symbols of Scouts who live by their promise to fulfill their duties. They remain as shining example of young people embedded with the values and virtues worth emulating by all.
They may have never sung the Jamboree song for the world to hear, but they are now singing with the Great Scoutmaster because they have never died. Scouts never die…they just hike to heaven.
The BSP marked on July 28th the 47th anniversary of the incident. Mass and flowers were offered in different places. In Manila, Scouts trooped to North Cemetery for the event while in Quezon City, flowers were offered at the monument at the center of Tomas Morato where the monument of the heroes are now built.
One Hundred Years of Scouting 2007
One hundred years ago, Lord Baden-Powell ran his experimental camp on Brownsea Island on the South Coast of England, for 20 boys from different social backgrounds. Today, Scouting is a million times bigger and involves girls and boys, women and men from every origin, religion and culture, and nearly every country in the world.
In 2007 we celebrate our 100th anniversary. We will celebrate the achievements of the past 100 years, we will celebrate Scouting today and we will celebrate the commitment that Scouts worldwide undertake to make a difference in their communities. Most importantly, we will look ahead to a second century of Scouting.
Centenary Logo. The central element of this logo shows the relationship between our traditional fleur-de-lys logo and the dove of peace, with peace rising with the sun into a bright future. The numbers 100 and 2007 are prominent, as well as the World Emblem.
One World One Promise. The theme responds to young people's aspirations and is based on the Movement's mission and educational values. It is unifying and universal. As Scouts we will all make our Promise to do our best to work together and build a society based on the greater justice and solidarity. We make a commitment to play an active role in creating a better world, irrespective of our origin gender, culture or religion.
Our Promise compels us to help to improve the world. As Baden-Powell said, "Leave this world a little better than we found it."
Three fingers Scout Sign and the flag. The Scout Sign is made by raising your right hand to shoulder height, palm to the front, thumb resting on the nail of the little finger, and the other fingers upright, pointing upwards. The three fingers remind a Scout of the three parts of the Scout Promise and Law: Duty to God, duty to other and duty to self. The Scout Sign is given at the making of the Promise, or as greeting.
Design and Information
7p Scout Sign and Flag - Singles (50,000)<
7p Scouting Centenary Logo - Singles (50,000)
7p x 4 Souvenir Sheet of Four (two se-tenant pairs) - (8,000)
Printing process: Litho Offset. Amstar Company, Inc.
Perforation: . 14
Information: 50 stamps per sheet (10 x 5); Souvenir Sheets of 4
Designer & Layout Artist: Richard Allen Baron
Graphic Designer: Nicasio de Leon
Design Coordinator: Noel B. Sabandal
Breaking their promise: The Jamboree tragedy of ’63
August 2, 2010, 9:16am http://www.mb.com.ph/
The 24 heroes of the Philippine Boy Scouts contigent who all died in a plane crash while on their way to the 11th World Scout Jamboree on July 28, 1963. by Juan De Ortega painting.
One Hundred Years of Scouting August 1 2007
One Hundred Years of Scouting August 1 2007
One Hundred Years of Scouting
The 24 heroes of the Philippine Boy Scouts contigent who all died in a plane crash while on their way to the 11th World Scout Jamboree on July 28, 1963.
Rain was coming down hard, and most of the Boy Scouts had preferred to stay in the comfort of their rooms, when Chito sat down to write on a postcard. He did not know that it was to be his last message:
Dearest Pa, Ma, Brothers, Sister and Everybody:
We arrived in Bangkok at 10:25 PM (Manila Time) safe and in good condition. We departed Hong Kong at 8:45 p.m. (Manila Time). I already sent to Pati a postcard. Please pray for me. Thank you. Love, Kisses and prayers,
Chito
From Bangkok, Chito and his fellow Scouts boarded a flight bound for Bombay, India. It was their last flight on earth.
Men, fishing on the sea off the town of Madh, heard the loud explosion. Morning arrived only to bring the start of search operations.
“They are so young to die.”
Throughout the country, news of the disaster spread like wild fire. Shock reigned among relatives, friends, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and the entire country. Everybody hoped and prayed, but in vain. Misfortune carried the day. Everywhere, newspapers confirmed the great tragedy: The entire contingent to the 11th World Scout Jamboree died in a plane crash.
That was July 28, 1963.
“He is not dead,” one mother wailed, “He promised to return. He cannot be dead.”
The Scout broke his promise: he did not return alive.
At the BSP National Headquarters, a prayer vigil was held as calls, telegrams, and cable messages in a massive display of sympathy poured in.
Luminaries of many countries, such as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Paul VI, the President of the Republic of India, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the President of Indonesia, Sukarno, offered their condolences.
Expressing the bereavement of an entire nation, President Diosdado Macapagal said:
“The Boy Scouts died in the line of duty. Their noble death shall inspire the youth and the nation.”
Amid the sadness and suffering, the Filipinos determined to fulfill their duty to participate in the historical gathering in Europe. On the third of August 1963, Scouts Nicasio Fernandez, Guillermo Flores and Louis Santiago left Manila as a token delegation to the Greek Jamboree. The following day, the frigate Kripan of the Indian Navy steamed to the site of the crash in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Madh. Indian Consul General to the Philippines K.M. Modi and Commander J.D. Cooper of the Indian Navy laid a giant wreath on the waters to honor the dead.
In Europe, in the historic plains of Marathon, at the very site of the great international event, the Chief Scout of Greece, Crown Prince Constantinos, formally opened the Eleventh World Scout Jamboree amidst the 14,000 delegates from 85 nations of the world-minus the 24 heroes from the little country in the far corner of Southeast Asia.
The Philippine Flag Republic of the Philippines and Boys Scout's Seal was still broth out ans called in the Parade of delegates in the opening of the event to remember the scout's and all members boys and girls scouts, committee members ans people from the bleachers take a minute of silence ans bow whale the Philippine Flag and Scout Seal is on parade after The Flag of the Republic of the Philippines stood at half-staff at the Sub-Camp called Antiochis, where the Filipino boys would have stayed had they made it alive to the great gathering. Fifty-mile winds struck at Marathon, knocking tents down, spraying sand and dust everywhere, sweeping and destroying many fixtures. Nature herself was crying and sending a somber atmosphere in sympathy at the ill fate which befell the noble Scouts of the Philippines contingent.
While the Scouts of the world — minus their Filipino brothers — came together in the ancient country of Greece, Masses and necrological services were being offered in the Philippines. At the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Fernando E. V. Sison, president of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, spoke to the parents and kin of the 24 Scouts and Scouters:
“My Friends, it is not given to man to bring the dead back to life. But perhaps it would be wrong or amiss for me to say here that in more than just a symbolic way, these Scouters and Scouts are not dead. They live, and shall continue to live in our midst. Their spirit of honor, of loyalty to God and country, their allegiance to the Scout Law of helping people at all times, this spirit of honor did not perish in the Arabian Sea; this spirit of honor came back to us with these mortal remains. And this spirit has entered into thousands of young hearts who look forward to their Scouting days of yesterday.”
A grieving Antonio C. Delgado, father of Scout Jose Antonio Delgado, responded on behalf of the parents and relatives of the fallen Scouts and Scouters:
“For this is the other side of the coin of grief. The glory. The honor. The triumph. … In the forefront of these boys’ minds were always held as shining goals the noble ideals of the Scout Oath: ‘honor…duty…God…country! These boys kept their honor; and they kept the faith; and they gave their all for their country… and I am sure they kept themselves in the friendship of God.”
A time too grieve
After the tragedy, the parents and relatives of the departed continued to meet and exchange stories of their young boys. Their meetings led to the formation of the 11th World Jamboree Memorial Foundation. Memorial and markers were put up. The Ala-Ala Mausoleum was erected at Manila’s North Cemetery. Streets in Quezon City were renamed in honor of the Scouts. The fallen Scouts and Scouters were each conferred a special Gold Medal of Honor. At the center of Tomas Morato rose the monument of the 24 Scouts as a tribute to fallen heroes. Monuments of Scouts were also built in schools they attended like in Letran, San Sebastian and others.
Two years later, in 1965, the Maharashtra State Association of the Bharat Scouts and Guides set up a memorial tablet in honor of the twenty-four. In July 4, the tablet was unveiled by Srimati Lakshmi Mazumdar, National Commissioner of the
Bharat Scouts and Guides.
The tablet reads:
“In memory of the twenty-four Boy Scouts & Scouters of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines who perished in an airplane crash over the turbulent waters of the Arabian Sea near Bombay before dawn of Sunday, July 28th 1963 on their way to the 11th Boy Scouts World Jamboree in Marathon, Greece.”
Many years later, in 1988, President Corazon C. Aquino, Chief Scout of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, declared the 28th of July of every year as Scout Memorial Day from the Presidential Decree No 341
Today, years after that Black Sunday, the 24 Scouts and Scouters are not just streets, monuments or markers but are still symbols of Scouts who live by their promise to fulfill their duties. They remain as shining example of young people embedded with the values and virtues worth emulating by all.
They may have never sung the Jamboree song for the world to hear, but they are now singing with the Great Scoutmaster because they have never died. Scouts never die…they just hike to heaven.
The BSP marked on July 28th the 47th anniversary of the incident. Mass and flowers were offered in different places. In Manila, Scouts trooped to North Cemetery for the event while in Quezon City, flowers were offered at the monument at the center of Tomas Morato where the monument of the heroes are now built.
Official Logo
picture
One Hundred Years of Scouting 2007
One hundred years ago, Lord Baden-Powell ran his experimental camp on Brownsea Island on the South Coast of England, for 20 boys from different social backgrounds. Today, Scouting is a million times bigger and involves girls and boys, women and men from every origin, religion and culture, and nearly every country in the world.
In 2007 we celebrate our 100th anniversary. We will celebrate the achievements of the past 100 years, we will celebrate Scouting today and we will celebrate the commitment that Scouts worldwide undertake to make a difference in their communities. Most importantly, we will look ahead to a second century of Scouting.
Centenary Logo. The central element of this logo shows the relationship between our traditional fleur-de-lys logo and the dove of peace, with peace rising with the sun into a bright future. The numbers 100 and 2007 are prominent, as well as the World Emblem.
One World One Promise. The theme responds to young people's aspirations and is based on the Movement's mission and educational values. It is unifying and universal. As Scouts we will all make our Promise to do our best to work together and build a society based on the greater justice and solidarity. We make a commitment to play an active role in creating a better world, irrespective of our origin gender, culture or religion.
Our Promise compels us to help to improve the world. As Baden-Powell said, "Leave this world a little better than we found it."
Three fingers Scout Sign and the flag. The Scout Sign is made by raising your right hand to shoulder height, palm to the front, thumb resting on the nail of the little finger, and the other fingers upright, pointing upwards. The three fingers remind a Scout of the three parts of the Scout Promise and Law: Duty to God, duty to other and duty to self. The Scout Sign is given at the making of the Promise, or as greeting.
Design and Information
7p Scout Sign and Flag - Singles (50,000)<
7p Scouting Centenary Logo - Singles (50,000)
7p x 4 Souvenir Sheet of Four (two se-tenant pairs) - (8,000)
Printing process: Litho Offset. Amstar Company, Inc.
Perforation: . 14
Information: 50 stamps per sheet (10 x 5); Souvenir Sheets of 4
Designer & Layout Artist: Richard Allen Baron
Graphic Designer: Nicasio de Leon
Design Coordinator: Noel B. Sabandal
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