[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 38 (Monday, March 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E470-E471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE EXCHANGE CLUB'S CELEBRATION OF 100 YEARS OF COMMUNITY 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 14, 2011

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the National 
Exchange Club as it celebrates a centennial of service. The National 
Exchange Club--a service organization with 700 clubs and over 22,000 
members throughout the United States and Puerto Rico--will begin 
celebrating its 100th anniversary March 27, 2011, with celebration 
events occurring throughout the year.
  To kick-off this milestone, the Exchange Clubs of the Toledo area 
will host a special ceremony on the date of the anniversary, Sunday, 
March 27, 2011, with dignitaries, members and guests at the National 
Headquarters located in the city of Toledo. A display of 100 American 
Flags on the front lawn will greet visitors who will be able to view a 
Freedom Shrine featuring a collection of 29 original historic documents 
chronicling our nation's journey to freedom, including the U.S. 
Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and several Presidential 
addresses.
  Founded on March 27, 1911 in Detroit, Michigan by businessmen who 
wanted to ``exchange'' ideas, the Exchange Club moved its headquarters 
to Toledo, Ohio, in 1917. Through a century, its volunteer efforts have 
supported the needs of the country and of local communities, making it 
the country's oldest American service organization operating 
exclusively in the United States.

[[Page E471]]

  With a focus on ``Americanism'' the Exchange Club promotes the grand 
ideal that our country plays a special role as a beacon of freedom, 
democracy, equality and inclusiveness. Living the ideal, the Exchange 
Club's national project is the Prevention of Child Abuse. Exchange also 
sponsors activities designed to benefit, award and develop our nation's 
youth, prevent crime, serve senior citizens and recognize military and 
public safety service providers. Even as it remembers a century in 
practicing the ideals of ``Americanism'' in voluntary service to all 
citizens--from those who are vulnerable to those who protect--The 
Exchange Club moves forward to bring its mission into the next century. 
We honor the efforts of the members of the Exchange Club for 
leadership, vision, and compassion. Onward!

                          ____________________