[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 587]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING ROTARY INTERNATIONAL FOR 108 YEARS OF SERVICE

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                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 23, 2013

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 
Rotary International for selflessly working for 108 years to improve 
communities around the world and to recognize the Rotary Clubs of the 
State of Florida for the important work they do in our communities. The 
organization's motto of ``Service Above Self'' inspires its members to 
provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards, and 
promote good will and peace in the world.
  Founded in 1905, Rotary International has become one of the world's 
largest non-profit service organizations. In my home State of Florida, 
there are nearly 400 Rotary clubs throughout 8 Rotary districts. These 
clubs represent thousands of Floridians who actively sponsor service 
projects throughout the State and internationally. Through their 
charitable spirit, these clubs provide solutions to problems impacting 
society, including poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and more. Since its 
founding, Rotary has contributed more than one billion dollars and 
countless volunteer hours in the fight to eradicate polio. Last year 
alone, the organization raised more than $200 million for global polio 
eradication.
  Rotary is also the world's largest privately-funded source of 
international scholarships. Annually, more than 7,000 secondary school 
students are able to study abroad through the organization's Youth 
Exchange Programs.
  Mr. Speaker, for more than 100 years, Rotary International has 
represented the best of the human spirit, and the organization and its 
State and local chapters have become pillars in their communities. 
Their humanitarian efforts and successes exemplify the strength of 
compassion, and I commend them for their contributions.

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