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Post by Bob Hudson on Nov 24, 2014 16:54:53 GMT 8
Glad to hear the Light and sound show is up and running again. I had heard that the vintage computers that ran the program had ceased to operate the biggest money making attraction on Corregidor.
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Post by Bob Hudson on Sept 11, 2014 0:12:38 GMT 8
Impressive work Karl. If only I had the stamina to tack along with you on these missions. In photo Z874, the unknown man is General Dalton.
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Post by Bob Hudson on Aug 28, 2014 8:09:35 GMT 8
Karl,
When I took on the responsibility of the Death March Markers, I had to limit myself to the ones on Bataan. At the time I only had a trike for transportation. Rosalie and I personally cleaned and painted 75 of the 98 markers in Bataan. We were able to enlist the help of other organizations to clean and paint the other 23 in Bataan. I needed help for those beyond my reach, mainly #73 to #112. I received help from Dave Metherell, Robert Lucke and Rhonie Dela Cruz who live in the Angeles City area. They were able to clean and paint numbers 112 through 101, I believe. So markers 100 to 73 are orphaned and nothing has been done to them except perhaps a few that were done by local govt's in their respective locals. Marker #70 was struck and damaged by road widening equipment. I advised FAME of it last April. The repair work on markers is handled through the CFI and you know what situation they are in I believe. Nothing has been done to it last time I drove by last month.
Money, money, money. That's the problem and will always be the problem. I wish that pointing out the problem would suffice in their repair but not going to happen. I'm glad you're out there documenting the problems beyond my reach. we really need someone in that area who would take some interest in their maintenance. It too much and too far for me.
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Post by Bob Hudson on Aug 15, 2014 7:57:20 GMT 8
John,
In the months that Rosalie and I spent cleaning and painting the BDM markers, we had numerous children stop and ask what we were doing. Rosalie always told them the meaning of the markers. We would even let a child take a paint brush and make a few strokes on the marker just so they could say they helped. We got local citizens involved in helping us. When they have some personal investment in these markers and memorials, they become somewhat attached to them and take some pride in them. That is what is needed. Pride!
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Post by Bob Hudson on Aug 14, 2014 8:09:13 GMT 8
Our mission is to remember and I think we do it well. The problem is apathy and ignorance of the indigenous people who live around these historic reminders. These monuments simply become part of the scenery and the people simply ignore them as they would a common rock or tree. Enjoy your next trip!
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Post by Bob Hudson on Jul 31, 2014 18:12:08 GMT 8
My one and only concern with the demise of the CFI is that Corregidor is maintained for it's historic value by someone who cares for history as we all do. I do not wish to see the island become a venue for some other entertainment purpose. I also fear the loss of the CFI will spell doom for the repair and replacement of the Death March markers. FAME is only name, a website and a bank account. Little else
I know little of the politics involved with CFI and I'm not even sure exactly what their responsibilities are on the island. I simply want it to continue being what it has always been. A memorial to heroes, a reminder of the stupidity of what men will do to men just as all memorials to battles are.
I worry that we are on the losing side of a battle in which money will be the victor.
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Post by Bob Hudson on Jul 31, 2014 15:43:57 GMT 8
Paul,
I responded to your email be fore I saw this post.
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Post by Bob Hudson on Jul 31, 2014 9:44:18 GMT 8
I can now envision you when we communicate. I also have my little Death March marker on my desk. I pay 50 pesos less than you because the guy who makes them is a personal friend in Orani. The BAR in the above photo is a 1925 model as it has cooling fins on the barrel. I believe that was the only year they made BAR's with cooling fins. Maybe because the BAR was heavy enough already.
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Post by Bob Hudson on Jul 31, 2014 8:51:57 GMT 8
Excuse my circumnavigating the basis for your post but if you wish to survive in a capitalist environment you have to follow the lead of the Airline business. When ridership falls, prices drop to attract customers. The same goes for economic recovery. You drop taxes and people start investing and spending which brings more revenue into the governments coffers. You don't have to be a rocket surgeon to figure this out. Suncruises should consider this tactic...ridership is down? Lower your damn prices, advertise a little and take responsibility for your own lagging numbers!
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Post by Bob Hudson on Jul 30, 2014 11:06:43 GMT 8
Bataan took a direct hit as well but with the large population of people here that cook with fire wood, civilians were hard at work clearing the roads before city and provincial governments had time to think. I traveled to Balanga from Limay, about 15 km, and there were were 50 to 75 trees blocking the Bataan National hiway. Corregidor definitely was hit hard and most if not all roads are blocked to all traffic except for perhaps motorcycles. Some ruins at middleside and bottomside collapsed. It will be tough times for vendors. The Hotel sustained minor damage.
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