After the Pledge of Allegiance, President Bob called upon DG Marc Glass to give the invocation. President Bob welcomed all guests. To provide our guest speaker adequate time, President Bob held off the announcements until after the presentation. He called upon your scribe to introduce our guest speaker, Edwin Futa, the RI representative to the United Nations.
 
Mr. Futa outlined a brief history of Rotary’s association with the UN. In 1945, the RI was given the honor to join the UN because the two organizations shared ideals of promoting peace. In 1947, RI got the consultative status at the UN. Since then, the two organizations have been working hand in hand in major initiatives around the globe, most notably the eradication of polio.
 
Mr. Futa wanted to convey a strong message that the 35,000 clubs worldwide are the backbone and the foundation upon which RI stands. These clubs, through their various initiatives, are making the difference in the lives of many in their own communities. Each of these clubs is a peace ambassador in its own community.
 
The program was recorded. Please contact Wes Willett to get an electronic copy.