BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands, Matt Murray, visited Betikama Adventist College (BAC) yesterday to attend the launch of the U.S. Embassy’s “Rescuing JFK” book donation campaign.
The year-long campaign aims to provide every school in Solomon Islands with a copy of the children’s book “Rescuing JFK: How Solomon Islanders Rescued John F. Kennedy and the Crew of PT-109.” The book tells the true story of how Solomon Islanders helped save a young John F. Kennedy and his crew after their boat was sunk during World War II.
The program began with a lively welcome by warrior students at the school gate, who escorted the visiting delegation by vehicle to the school hall. Inside, female students greeted the guests with traditional garlands before leading them to the front of the hall.
The principal of Betikama Adventist College opened the event with prayer, followed by a welcome song performed by the school choir, creating a warm and respectful atmosphere for the visitors.
After the performances, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Murray gave brief remarks at the podium. He thanked the school and organizers for the welcome and then proceeded to the college’s World War II Museum for the official book campaign launch.
The Master of Ceremony, Ms Zutu, guided the program and welcomed the dignitaries. The Permanent Secretary of Education also delivered short remarks highlighting the importance of the initiative.
During the ceremony, Principal Tutuo joined U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Murray and Ministry of Education and Human Recourses Permanent Secretary Rodie for a photo as they presented the books to Betikama Adventist College.
“The story of PT-109 is a powerful reminder of courage and friendship in difficult times,” Murray said during his visit.
General Secretary of the Seventh-day Adventist Solomon Islands Mission, Pastor Linray Tutuo, closed the program with prayer.
The MC thanked everyone for attending before the principal gave the delegation a tour of the woodworking shop, the World War II Museum, and the school garden and nursery.
Before departing, the U.S. Embassy highlighted that the special edition “Rescuing JFK” book was co-written by U.S. and Solomon Islands historians to honor coast watchers Aaron Kumana and Biuku Gasa, whose bravery changed history.
