[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 127 (Wednesday, October 2, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING THE LIONS CLUB OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS ON ITS 80TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN BOOZMAN

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2002

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Van Buren 
Lions Club for serving the Van Buren community for 80 years. I salute 
the dedication and leadership provided via the motto “We 
Serve.” Having formerly been a member of the Rogers Lions Club, 
and having practiced optometry for 25 years, I truly value the club's 
accomplishments in eye care.
  The legacy founded in Chicago in 1917 by Melvin Jones has grown into 
an organization which boasts a membership of 1.4 million. Accepting the 
challenge first posed by Helen Keller to become “Knights of the 
Blind” in the crusade against darkness, Lions have provided 3 
million cataract surgeries, funded 68 eye clinics and hospitals, and 
have screened 6 million patients for eye disease. They also distribute 
4 million pairs of eyeglasses annually in developing countries. Having 
personally assisted with the distribution of eyeglasses in Haiti, I can 
honestly say that the efforts of the Lions truly impact the lives of 
those less fortunate.
  I encourage each member of the Van Buren Lions Club to continue the 
work of this valuable organization. Their contributions to the Lions 
Club International Foundation, which funds Leo Clubs, Youth Camps, the 
International Youth Exchange, and the annual consultation at the United 
Nations, serve to bring hope to many.
  Mr. Speaker, on this historic 80th anniversary, I applaud the Van 
Buren Lions for their dedication to the world's largest service 
organization. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to recognize 
them.

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