Rotary International Convention: Day 1

Beginning July 1, I begin a 12-month tour-of-duty as President of Walla Walla Noon 205-mamber Rotary Club. As is the custom, the President-Elect attends the International Convention in June. This year it is in Montreal, Canada. This is our first visit to this area of Canada. Getting here was a little challenging, with flights cancelled in Chicago and baggage lost/delayed for a day. But we are here and were on time for the opening ceremonies. I understand that there are somewhere around 20,000 persons at the Convention. They have to have 2 seating/sessions of the Opening Ceremonies! It was quite a spectacular affair. There was a elevated round of applause when they introduced the newest group of people to have a rotary club: Palestine. The club was sponsored by both Israel and Jordan. Yes, politics, nationality, and religions divide; Rotary unites! The ceremony ended with a concert by “Celtic Thunder.” If you wish to view selected photos, here is the link: http://www.wallawalla.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/gallery/rotary_international_convention_2010. Remember, the latest photos are first on the page.