[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 17, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO WALNUT CREEK LIONS CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 17, 1999

  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate the Walnut Creek 
Lions Club as they celebrate their 75th Anniversary. Since its founding 
in April 1924, the Walnut Creek Lions Club has provided immeasurable 
services to the citizens of Contra Costa County. I am proud to honor 
them as they celebrate their 75 years of dedication to the betterment 
of their community and the world at large.
  Mr. Speaker, as you may know, Lions are committed to sharing their 
success by helping those less fortunate than themselves. Created in 
1917 by Melvin Jones in Chicago, Lions Clubs International now enjoys 
over 44,000 clubs worldwide, with a membership of 1.4 million in more 
than 185 countries. In 1925, Helen Keller challenged the Lions to 
become ``knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness''. Thus 
began the Lions Clubs' renown for their sight-related programs, 
including SightFirst, the world's largest blindness prevention program. 
The motto of every Lion, however, is simply ``We Serve'', which 
eloquently expresses the true mission of this community service club.
  Please join me in recognizing the Walnut Creek Lions Club as they 
celebrate their 75th anniversary. Their service-minded spirit is 
inspirational and I am honored that they are a part of my constituency.

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