Newsletters
13 views

President's Message


“Tradition cannot be inherited, and if you want it, you must obtain it by great labor.” T.S. Eliot

There is something very special about traditions, especially good, longstanding traditions. In a world that constantly changes, traditions serve as anchors. Traditions maintain consistency in action. They remind us of who we are, what we value, and why the work we do matters. The best families, religious organizations, colleges, and Rotary Clubs, to name a few, are all very intentional in how they pass traditions from one generation to the next. Tradition allows people to see beyond the individual task or single year of service and understand they are helping build something far greater than themselves, designed to endure long after they are gone.

That is exactly what makes Roswell Rotary so special. Last week, Roswell Rotary held a very cool and enduring tradition- the annual Past Presidents Dinner. For more than three decades, this gathering has brought together generations of leadership to support the incoming president and prepare for the next Rotary year. This year, 24 past presidents attended alongside our current board and incoming President Leslie Bassett. As each past president stood and introduced themselves by their year of service, they also shared words of encouragement and advice for Leslie as she prepares to lead our club into its next chapter.

What struck me most was not simply the number of leaders in attendance, but the consistency of commitment over decades. Different professions. Different personalities. Different years. Yet all connected by the same shared desire to serve this club and this community above self. The dinner serves as more than a meal. It was the passing of the torch.

Another powerful tradition was alive and well this past Saturday as I attended the Sheffield Banquet in Americus, Georgia. This three-decade event, hosted by the Americus Rotary Club, was inspired by the incredible legacy of the Sheffield family, whose leadership and service helped shape Rotary throughout Georgia and beyond. One of the most impressive moments of the evening was realizing that Roswell Rotary once again had more Rotarians in attendance than any other club represented. As I looked around the room and saw familiar faces like Nancy Alterman, David Young, Lee Hollingsworth, Bob Hagan, Dave Schmidt, Lynne Lindsay, Cheryl Greenway, Gordon Owens, and others, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. These are individuals who continue to pour their time, talents, wisdom, and hearts into making Roswell Rotary stronger. Their example creates momentum. Their commitment sustains tradition. Their leadership inspires the next generation of Rotarians to step forward.

Legacy is built year after year, hand to hand, leader to leader, tradition to tradition. Roswell Rotary is fortunate to have a foundation built by those who came before us, and it is now our responsibility to carry that fire forward for those who will come after us. Service Above Self is not just a motto……….At Roswell Rotary, it is a tradition.

Sic Vos Non Vobis

Trummie Lee Patrick III

Posted by Trummie Patrick, III
June 9, 2026

Comments

This Year’s Posts: