[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 123 (Friday, July 31, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF VIENNA

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 31, 2015

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 50th Anniversary 
of the Rotary Club of Vienna and to thank its members for their service 
to our community.
  The world's first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago was formed 
February 23, 1905, by Paul P. Harris. The name ``Rotary'' is derived 
from the early practice of rotating meetings among members' offices. 
The Rotary Club concept thrived in its early years and by 1921 there 
were chapters on six continents. In 1922, the name ``Rotary 
International'' was adopted. The objective of Rotary International is 
to encourage and foster community service. International understanding, 
goodwill, and peace are promoted through the shared commitment to 
service of Rotarians from around the world. Rotary International now 
boasts more than 1.2 million members and Clubs exist in 166 countries 
located on six different continents. And I am pleased to be counted 
among their honorary ranks.
  The Vienna Club was chartered June 30, 1965. Shortly thereafter, the 
Club sponsored a circus as its very first fundraiser. The event raised 
$1,000 towards the construction of the Vienna Community Center. Since 
then, the Club has engaged in a wide variety of activities that have 
benefitted the community.
  In the early years, the Club offered several different scholarships 
to local students, provided career counseling, organized CPR training, 
and engaged in several service projects. Today, the Rotary Club of 
Vienna is perhaps best known for hosting the annual ViVa Vienna 
Festival every Memorial Day Weekend. This event attracts thousands of 
people from throughout the region and is a great source of pride for 
the Vienna community. Perhaps more importantly, the most recent 
festival raised approximately $160,000 that the Club will donate to 
dozens of organizations locally and throughout the world.
  The efforts and effectiveness of the Vienna Rotary Club have been 
recognized with Rotary International awards for best club, vocational 
service, literacy programs, international service, membership, best 
all-round club, best small club bulletin, community service, and 
outstanding club.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
Rotary Club of Vienna on its 50th Anniversary and thanking its members, 
volunteers and supporters for putting service above self.

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