[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 169 (Thursday, October 19, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE VIENNA HOST LIONS CLUB 75TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 2017

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important 
member of our local civil society. The Vienna Host Lions Club, based in 
the Town of Vienna in Fairfax County, Virginia, is observing its 75th 
anniversary this year. Originally chartered on May 7, 1942 as the 
Arlington Host Lions Club, the Vienna Host Lions Club has spent three-
quarters of a century working to improve the community around them. 
Indeed, it currently holds the distinction of being the oldest 
community service organization in Vienna.
  The Club's philanthropic efforts began in the heart of wartime, 
raising funds to support Allied service members overseas during World 
War II. The club also took action on the home front, constructing and 
operating a watchtower to scan for enemy aircraft. At the conclusion of 
the war, the club collected clothing to send to Europe to aid in 
reconstruction efforts. In 1965, the Vienna Host Lions Club left a 
permanent mark on the Town of Vienna by raising funds to build the new 
Vienna Community Center. Since that time, it has made other significant 
contributions to the betterment of the Town of Vienna through 
advocating for the installation of lights on the athletic fields of 
James Madison High School and other community ballparks, and the 
construction of a two-story press box at Walters Field.
  In addition, the Club sponsors the James A. Bland Music Scholarship, 
and donates funds to many local organizations including those that 
address the needs of people with sight or hearing impairments, youth 
activities, and social welfare programs, as well as American Legion 
Post 180.
  Mr. Speaker, volunteerism and public service are two of the highest 
callings, and the Vienna Host Lions Club is an example that other civic 
groups would do well to emulate. The health of a community can be 
judged through its level of civic engagement. The fact that the Vienna 
Host Lions Club has endured for such a protracted period of time speaks 
volumes to the health of not only the Town of Vienna, but the Northern 
Virginia region as a whole. The Town of Vienna has been named one of 
the best places in which to live for a number of years, a distinction 
that is largely due to the efforts of individuals like the members, 
past and present, of Vienna Host Lions Club. I commend the entire 
organization for reaching this historic milestone and ask my colleagues 
to join me in thanking the Club, its officers and members, and all who 
support it for their service to our community.

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