[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 22 (Wednesday, March 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2005

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join 
me in congratulating Rotary International on celebrating its 100th 
anniversary. On Saturday, February 26, the Rotary Clubs of Genesee, 
Shiawasee and Lapeer Counties will celebrate this milestone with a 
Centennial Gala to be held at Genesys Banquet Center in Grand Blanc, 
Michigan.
  Rotary International, founded on February 23, 1905, is a worldwide 
organization of business and professional leaders that provide 
humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all 
vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. 
Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 31,000 Rotary 
Clubs located in 166 countries. In Rotary Area Seven, which includes my 
district, there are almost 600 members making the commitment to address 
community and international issues.
  Rotarians are committed to the motto ``Service Above Self' and to 
``The Four-Way Test'' of business ethics, a philosophy that encourages 
truth, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit in all professional 
actions.
  The Four-Way Test:
  1. Is it the Truth?
  2. Is it Fair to all Concerned?
  3. Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
  4. Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
  They support efforts to provide educational opportunities and to meet 
basic human needs because these efforts are essential steps to greater 
world understanding, goodwill, and peace. The founding of Rotary 
International encouraged the creation and expansion of service clubs in 
the 20th century, and these service clubs generated a formalized spirit 
of community volunteerism throughout the United States and the world.
  The PolioPlus program, created by Rotary International to fight the 
dreaded disease, has helped to vaccinate more than two billion 
children. They are the only nongovernmental organization to join in 
partnership with the World Health Organization, the United Nations 
Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention to achieve the goal of the total eradication of polio in 
2005. Their work is an outstanding and noteworthy humanitarian effort 
by a nonprofit organization.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
congratulating Rotary International on celebrating its 100th 
anniversary. As a Rotary Club fellowship beneficiary, I can attest to 
the unwavering support they give to the community and applaud their 
involvement in the State of Michigan and beyond.

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