[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E933] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LIONS CLUBS ______ HON. KAREN McCARTHY of missouri in the house of representatives Friday, May 24, 2002 Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the International Association of Lions Clubs who will observe May 30th as Lions Youth Appreciation Day. Since 1917, Lions have served the world's population through hard work and commitment making a difference in the lives of people everywhere. With 1.4 million members serving in more than 44,600 clubs in 188 countries and geographical areas, Lions are recognized worldwide for their service to the blind and visually impaired. More than 139,000 of these members are young people between the ages of 12 and 28, and I congratulate these youth for their commitment to others. Lions Club International was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1917 and is the world's largest service club organization. Since that time, their Code of Ethics has guided the members in their quests to create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world, promoting a world of compassion and tolerance. The Lions' International slogan is ``Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation's Safety (LIONS).'' With over 15 Lions clubs in my district, the Youth Lions aim to provide young people of the world with opportunities for achievement, learning, and service, individually and collectively, through sponsorship of activities identified as best practices in the field of youth development. Evolving from the founding Lions' steadfast dedication to the blind and visually impaired, the Youth Lions have devoted their energy to a wide variety of philanthropic causes. The Lions Club of Jackson, Platte, Clay and Cass Counties in Missouri are sponsoring a Youth Appreciation Night on May 30th, with special guest, Lions International President J. Frank Moore. His leadership theme, ``Light the Path'' focuses on implementation of several youth programs. Among the programs that have been particularly successful include: Leos and the Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Leos are young men and women of good character, ages 12 to 28, who are dedicated to making a difference in their communities. The peace poster contest was created in 1988 to give young people an opportunity to express their feelings and desire for peace. Since then, more than two million children from approximately 65 countries have participated in the annual contest. The activities the youth Lions have taken part in deserve to be recognized. Cutting across all national, racial and cultural boundaries, Youth Lions activities have included work with the visually impaired, programs including drug education and prevention, diabetes detection and research, and work for international cooperation and understanding. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in saying ``Congratulations and Thank you'' to the International Association of Lions Clubs on Lions Youth Appreciation Day. May 30th is the perfect time to commemorate this wonderful organization for its commitment and dedication to making the community and world a better place through activism and service. ____________________