Those words from President Truman capture not only the spirit that built our nation, but the spirit that builds communities. When the Roswell Rotary Club was founded on April 18, 1951, America itself was only 175 years old and entering a new era of growth and possibility. Harry S Truman was President and the men who formed our club shared the courage and imagination Truman spoke about. They saw needs in their community and stepped forward with the determination to do the work at hand—to serve others, to build something lasting, and to make Roswell a better place to live.

As Truman suggested, the greatest accomplishments rarely belong to one person. They are built quietly by people who care more about contributing than about being recognized. As we gather to celebrate 75 years of the Roswell Rotary Club, we honor the generations of members who understood that truth. When people come together with a shared purpose to serve others, extraordinary things happen. Seventy-five years later, that same spirit continues to define our club as we live out Rotary’s enduring motto: Service Above Self.

And perhaps 75 years from now, another generation of Rotarians will look back at this moment—at this group of leaders and volunteers—and recognize that we too carried the torch forward. The story of Rotary is never finished. It is written one act of service at a time. For 75 remarkable years, the Rotary Club of Roswell has been writing a story worth celebrating. Here’s to the past. And here’s to the future.

This Saturday night we celebrate those 75 remarkable years together. Rotarians and friends will gather to celebrate decades of fellowship and service in an evening worthy of the legacy we are honoring. The event will take place on the top floor of a beautiful venue overlooking the Chattahoochee River, just as the sun begins to set around 7:30 PM. As Bob Clarkson described it to me: “When the evening settles over the Chattahoochee and the river dances with reflections of gold and orange beneath the fading light, friends will gather on the terrace with glasses in hand—celebrating not simply the passing of years, but the enduring fellowship and service.” I’m not entirely sure which Robert Frost poem Bob borrowed that from, but it sounded good enough to include.

The evening begins the moment you arrive. Valet parking leads into a red-carpet champagne reception, setting the tone for a great night together. Per my wonderful wife’s request, this is a night to dress the part - tuxedos, suits, and evening attire - because celebrating seventy-five years of service deserves a little style and a lot of fun. The open bar will be flowing, and outstanding cuisine from terrific caterers will keep everyone well fed while friends reconnect and enjoy the evening.

As part of the night, the energy will be noticeable as Casino Night gets underway. Tables of blackjack, craps, and other classic games will open for friendly competition as Rotarians and guests test their luck. Every chip you collect moves you closer to bragging rights and the player holding the most chips at the end of the evening, will walk away with a great prize basket to celebrate the win. It will be a prize worth it!

Throughout the night, the photo booth will be ready for friends to gather, take a few pictures, and capture memories from an evening that will be talked about long after it’s over. If cigars are your thing, we have some on hand. And if you are feeling it, we have a specialty drink of the night that has yet to be named but the leading suggestions include: “The Rotarian Refresher” and “The Paul Harris Punch” and Bob’s favorite “The Chattahoochee Sunset.” (I had no idea he loved sunsets this much).

Seventy-five years ago, a group of leaders came together with a simple idea—to serve their community and make Roswell a better place. This Saturday night we celebrate what that idea has become: great people, great fellowship, and 75 years of Service Above Self.

Sic Vos Non Vobis

Trummie Lee Patrick III