[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

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                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of Rotary International, the world's first service club, 
and to mark the 52nd year of the Rotary Club of Great Neck.
  Since their establishment on February 23, 1905, by Paul P. Harris, 
the members of Rotary International have been completely dedicated to 
fulfilling the goal of their motto: service above self. Over the past 
100 years, Rotarians have been providing humanitarian services in 
communities, workplaces, and throughout the world. In doing so, 
Rotarians have developed numerous community service projects that 
assist communities in responding to the critical issues they face, 
including hunger, poverty, illiteracy, vocational and career 
development, the environment, and protecting at risk children.
  The popularity of Rotary International has quickly spread throughout 
the world, with clubs forming across the United States and on six 
continents. Currently, there are approximately 1.2 million Rotarians 
who belong to more than 31,000 Rotary clubs in 166 different countries.
  The Rotary Club of Great Neck was chartered in 1953, and since then 
their members have been very active in local and international 
humanitarian projects. Each November, the Rotary Club of Great Neck 
holds a Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, where volunteers pack more than 26 
tons of food into complete Thanksgiving dinners and distribute them to 
needy families in the New York metropolitan area. The Great Neck club 
is also very active in the Gift of Life Program, which provides life 
saving open-heart surgery to needy children across the world, at no 
cost to them or their families. Great Neck Rotarians also work with and 
mentor local students on a weekly basis, teaching them about the joys 
of giving back to the community and assisting the students with their 
own service projects.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend Rotary International, the Rotary Club of Great 
Neck, and Rotarians across the world for their continued and dedicated 
service. These fine men and women selflessly volunteer their time to 
help make our world a better place, and their contributions are 
immeasurable. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
please join me in honoring Rotary International as they celebrate their 
100th anniversary.

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