[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 142 Engrossed in House (EH)]
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
May 10, 2005.
Whereas Rotary International, founded on February 23, 1905, in Chicago,
Illinois, is the world's first service club and one of the largest
nonprofit service organizations;
Whereas there are more than 1.2 million Rotary International club members
comprised of professional and business leaders in more than 31,000 clubs
in more than 165 countries;
Whereas the Rotary International motto, ``Service Above Self'', inspires members
to provide humanitarian service, meet high ethical standards, and
promote international good will;
Whereas Rotary International funds club projects and sponsors volunteers with
community expertise to provide medical supplies, health care, clean
water, food production, job training, and education to millions in need,
particularly in developing countries;
Whereas in 1985, Rotary International launched Polio Plus and spearheaded
efforts with the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, and the United Nations Children's Fund (``UNICEF'') to
immunize the children of the world against polio;
Whereas polio cases have dropped by 99 percent since 1988, and the world now
stands on the threshold of eradicating the disease;
Whereas Rotary International is the largest privately-funded source of
international scholarships in the world and promotes international
understanding through scholarships, exchange programs, and humanitarian
grants;
Whereas since 1947, more than 35,000 students from 110 countries have studied
abroad as Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars;
Whereas Rotary International's Group Study Exchange program has helped more than
46,000 young professionals explore career fields in other countries;
Whereas 8,000 secondary school students each year experience life in another
country through Rotary International's Youth Exchange Program;
Whereas over the past five years, members throughout all fifty States of Rotary
International have hosted participants in Open World, a program
sponsored by the Library of Congress, and therefore have earned the
honor of serving as Open World's most outstanding host;
Whereas there are approximately 400,000 Rotary International club members in
more than 7,700 clubs throughout the United States sponsoring service
projects to address critical issues such as poverty, health, hunger,
illiteracy, and the environment in their local communities and abroad;
and
Whereas February 23, 2005, would be an appropriate date to observe Rotary
International Day: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of a ``Rotary International Day''
to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Rotary International; and
(2) recognizes Rotary International for 100 years of service to
improving the human condition in communities throughout the world.
Attest:
Clerk.