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155
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Transcription
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ROTARY
The countries of the world are fast becoming one. What happens in China can be seen in the USA as it occurs. We have so many common problems that we can no longer ignore our neighbors. We have arrived at a point where we must sit down together and solve problems of air and water pollution, energy, food production, population growth and others. We are living on a planet that has limited resources.
There are many organizations and businesses that are now operating internationally, and it is time for all of us to be aware of the problems that must be solved if we are to save life on this planet.
Rotary International was organized in 1911, and is now in over 170 countries, and has been active in many fields such as, Education, Health, and Business. I have been a member since October 1945, when I joined the Longmnt [sic] Club, and in 1955, when we went overseas, they were willing to keep me on as a regular member.
We were instructed when we left the United States, that we were not to become involved in religious or political activities in a foreign country. No one said that I couldn't go to Rotary in a foreign land. In 1955 there were about 4000 [sic] clubs in more than 50 countries, I knew that some of these countries would have Rotary Clubs, and that I might be able to attend, and I was pleased that I could retain my membership.
Armed with the international directory of Rotary Clubs, I looked for one at every stop we made. Our flight to Turkey in Sept. 1955 had a rest stop in Copenhagen. We took a ferry to Malmo, Sweden on Sept. 4th., where I attended my first Rotary Club outside the United States.
By the time we returned to the United States in 1967, I had attended 34 clubs in 24 countries, Sweden, Norway, Germany, England, Belgium, Holland, France, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Kenya, India, Nepal, Japan, Hong Kong, Canada, Austria, Jordan, Israel. In 1975 when we went to Colombia, SA, I attended 2 more clubs. This made a total of 36 clubs in 25 countries, on 4 continents, and I left a Longmont banner at every club, and received one in return. These banners will be found on the wall of the Rotary meeting room in Longmont, Colorado.
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Rights
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Metzger Memories
