The Rotary Balita no. 624 (July 7, 1949).

Rotary’s 40th Annual Convention in New York City, U.S.A., brought together 15,971 Rotarians and members of their families from 64 countries of the world for a memorable five-day meeting at New York’s huge Madison Square Garden, June 12-16. The largest convention in Rotary’s history, it demonstrated in concrete terms that Rotary is continuing to grow worldwide, not only in numbers, but in vitality and strength. In addition to addresses by outstanding speakers and the presentation of special entertainment features, important legislation was enacted, officers were elected for 1949- 50, and many informative group assemblies, and vocational craft assemblies were conducted. Not only was this the largest Convention in Rotary’s history, but it was also the most widely publicized. bringing the Rotary message of service not alone to the millions of people in the New York area, but throughout the entire world. The New York newspapers welcomed the Convention with splendid editorials and throughout the week gave unusually generous news and photographic coverage to the Convention program. Supplementing the New York newspapers were the many Rotary news stories and photographs which were sent by the newspaper services to all parts of the world, the United States and Canadian network radio and television programs, the news reels, and the daily special Rotary programs carried in 24 languages on the international radio networks of the "Voice of America," the United Nations and the World-Wide Broadcasting Foundation. Rotary's traditional House of Friendship, located in the Grand Baliroom ot the Hotel Commodore was decorated with an impressive array of flags of countries in which there are Rotary Clubs. Rotarians from all parts of the world enjoyed the beauty of the House of Friendship with its attractive fountain and lovely palms, and it made an ideal setting for making new friends and renewing acquaintances.