[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 142 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                          May 10, 2005.
Whereas Rotary International, founded on February 23, 1905, in Chicago, 
        Illinois, is the world's first service club and one of the largest 
        nonprofit service organizations;
Whereas there are more than 1.2 million Rotary International club members 
        comprised of professional and business leaders in more than 31,000 clubs 
        in more than 165 countries;
Whereas the Rotary International motto, ``Service Above Self'', inspires members 
        to provide humanitarian service, meet high ethical standards, and 
        promote international good will;
Whereas Rotary International funds club projects and sponsors volunteers with 
        community expertise to provide medical supplies, health care, clean 
        water, food production, job training, and education to millions in need, 
        particularly in developing countries;
Whereas in 1985, Rotary International launched Polio Plus and spearheaded 
        efforts with the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control 
        and Prevention, and the United Nations Children's Fund (``UNICEF'') to 
        immunize the children of the world against polio;
Whereas polio cases have dropped by 99 percent since 1988, and the world now 
        stands on the threshold of eradicating the disease;
Whereas Rotary International is the largest privately-funded source of 
        international scholarships in the world and promotes international 
        understanding through scholarships, exchange programs, and humanitarian 
        grants;
Whereas since 1947, more than 35,000 students from 110 countries have studied 
        abroad as Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars;
Whereas Rotary International's Group Study Exchange program has helped more than 
        46,000 young professionals explore career fields in other countries;
Whereas 8,000 secondary school students each year experience life in another 
        country through Rotary International's Youth Exchange Program;
Whereas over the past five years, members throughout all fifty States of Rotary 
        International have hosted participants in Open World, a program 
        sponsored by the Library of Congress, and therefore have earned the 
        honor of serving as Open World's most outstanding host;
Whereas there are approximately 400,000 Rotary International club members in 
        more than 7,700 clubs throughout the United States sponsoring service 
        projects to address critical issues such as poverty, health, hunger, 
        illiteracy, and the environment in their local communities and abroad; 
        and
Whereas February 23, 2005, would be an appropriate date to observe Rotary 
        International Day: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of a ``Rotary International Day'' 
        to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Rotary International; and
            (2) recognizes Rotary International for 100 years of service to 
        improving the human condition in communities throughout the world.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.