The Rotary Balita no. 784 (November 10, 1955)

Recently I was making a change of clothes which required the removal of my Rotary button from one coat to another. I paused to examine it, and asked myself in cogitation, "Why do I wear this - what does it mean to me, anyway?" Ideas and thoughts came so fast I just sat down and pondered. "It is pretty," I thought, "and it is something which I am proud to wear. Why?" It grants me a great and honorable privilege Anywhere I go, each wearer of this noble badge is my friend. Into their precincts I may go with assurance of a warm welcome. I may enjoy their gathering with a hearty cordiality unequalled these days. With these prized associations, no creed, race, business restrictions or political views may enter to restrain the friendly enthusiasm and dampen their quality. It symbolizes that I belong among the finest of mankind. With that goes the inspiring influence to be one of the finest. That is a never-ending It requires of me that I think in harmony with the precepts of Rotary, the highest in the land, and broad enough to encompass every daily activity. It requires that I dispel the prejudices of race creed and political views. I must be patient, liberal. just and upright, all to a noticeable degree. It reminds me that it moves in a realm to itself. It is looked upon with unimpaired respect wherever it appears. Its wearer enjoys a distinction that only the violation of its principles can mar. All this cogitation makes me wonder if I deserve to wear it. Am I equal to all it implies! Golly, fellows, I darn near didn't put the little beauty back in the buttonhole - when I came to realize what a lot I must be and do to be what I should be - and wear it!