Rotary Banners

Rotarians trade and collect banners when formal visits take place between clubs. We visited a number of clubs and also received banners from clubs whose members attended our fromal dinner in Gonubie our last night together.

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I've sat through many Rotary meetings in Westminster not giving much thought to the banners displayed at the Legacy Ridge Golf Course club house. The colorful pennants with their unique logos and designs create an interesting backdrop. Occasionally I would try and imagine where in the world were the clubs with the more exotic names.

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Now as I prepare to carry the flags back to my club I realize what these banners represent. They represent people.

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They represent people who have joined together for various personal reasons. Some of us are looking for fellowship; some for business contacts; some join because their employer pays their dues; some desire to make a "difference" in their community; some want to help the underpriviledged overseas; some join to feel as if they have contibuted to eradicating a disease such as polio; some join to fill a social void; some desire recognition; some look for the satisfaction of a child's smile; some join knowing that what little they do may make even one day a bit better for another - even a complete stranger.

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Rotarians pick up where government and churches leave off. They look for opportunities. They provide money, work, food, recreation equipment, medicine, life saving apparatus, a helping hand where ever they can.

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These banners also represent the clubs. The various groups that through unity provide fellowship, a workforce, a pool of money, a collective for change or to address a need which would go unmet but for group effort.

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The banners represent an ideal of service, of positive energy focused by the vision and expertise of individuals members.

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The banners represent people with families, with jobs, with businesses, all with ideals.

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The banners represent good.