Stories
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Honoring Service and Sacrifice: Rotary's Annual 4th of July Flag Display |
A Grateful Transition: Honoring Gerald's Leadership |
History of Women in RotaryWomen are active participants in Rotary, serving their communities in increasing numbers and serving in leadership positions in Rotary. The 1989 Council on Legislation vote to admit women into Rotary clubs worldwide remains a watershed moment in the history of Rotary. “My fellow delegates, I would like to remind you that the world of 1989 is very different to the world of 1905. I sincerely believe that Rotary has to adapt itself to a changing world,” said Frank J. Devlyn, who would go on to become RI president in 2000-01. The vote followed the decades-long efforts of men and women from all over the Rotary world to allow the admission of women into Rotary clubs, and several close votes at previous Council meetings.
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Rotary at the Start of the United Nations
During World War II, Rotary informed and educated members about the formation of the United Nations and the importance of planning for peace. Materials such as the booklet “From Here On!” and articles in The Rotarian helped members understand the UN before it was formally established and follow its work after its charter. Many countries were fighting the war when the term “United Nations” was first used officially in the 1942 “Declaration by United Nations.” The 26 nations that signed it pledged to uphold the ideals expressed by the United States and the United Kingdom the previous year of the common principles “on which they based their hopes for a better future for the world.”
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Rotary’s Response to the 1918 Flu Pandemic
This is how Rotary responded to the influenza pandemic that began in 1918 and came in three waves, lasting more than a year. The Rotary Club of Berkeley, California, USA, meets in John Hinkel Park during the 1918 flu pandemic. |
Free Little Art Gallery: Where Creativity Meets Community
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Honoring a Founding Member – Colonel Kemp Denning, Jr.
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Rotary and the United Nations have a shared history of working toward peace and addressing humanitarian issues around the world.
An estimated 500 million people worldwide became infected. Many cities closed theaters and cinemas, and placed restrictions on public gatherings. Rotary clubs adjusted their activities while also helping the sick.
Tucked just off the sidewalk in downtown Berryville, a cheerful yellow box invites passersby to pause, peek inside, and engage with something special. It’s not a library—it’s a Free Little Art Gallery, lovingly maintained by the Rotary Club of Clarke County.
Every hero has an origin story. The Rotary Club of Clarke County honors the memory of Colonel Kemp Denning, Jr., a founding member and devoted community leader, with a flag flown at today’s Community Honor Flag Display. His legacy of service continues to inspire.
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