The Power of Introverts August 1st - 7th, 2016
Posted by James (Jim) Ferguson
Greeter this week: Chris Langley
The Honour Coin:
A little history first. Among the military of the world there is a tradition which I believe started in the USA a long time ago, but which is now fairly widespread around the world. In its origin it involved the giving on an "Honour Coin" a thick coin about 3cm across with a unit badge upon it. It could be given by a "mate" or by a unit commander or a general officer. It was a very personal gift. It was made of base metal, quite inexpensive, yet its value was enormous because these were not handed out lightly or frivolously. Receiving an honour coin was, between personnel, as big a "thank you" or a sign of huge respect as the receipt of any formal award. It was a sign of respectful and honorific kinship. It is one's duty to carry that coin with you wherever you go and to present it when challenged.
Over the years in the RA RA! brotherly world of the military, these coins are nowadays more commonly called CHALLENGE COINS because they have become a sign of legitimacy among brothers. If one is yarning with another and makes some comments or observations about a military past which was "exceptionally exciting" then the one doing the listening may think that the story is a bit too wide.... If they are a holder of a Challenge Coin, they may slap it down on the table and say "what say you to that?" The defeat to the challenge is to then take out your own Challenge coin and slap that down too. No matter what units they came from, this forms an immediate bond between the two which cannot reasonably be broken. They are both united in the approbation of their colleagues.
Then, bearing in mind that "boys will be boys" (it's OK ladies, active duty females can now participate....) it comes down to the pride in the unit that gave you the coin. A person who served with glory in "stores" will defer to someone with a Ranger Challenge Coin. Everyone defers to a Special Operations Command Challenge Coin, though a Ranger may argue that!
On July 15th I received a ROTARY Honour/Challenge Coin. It came from our Past President along with his sincere thanks for services rendered to Canada One. I was taken aback by it but felt an immense rush of pride. On one side is the Rotary Wheel and SERVICE ABOVE SELF and on the other side is engraved the 4-way test.. If ever challenged by a Challenge Coin holder, I'd be very proud to slap that coin down on the table in response.
I have once been challenged in public by a rather large former soldier who slapped his Ranger coin down on the table. This could have been a café clearing incident, but I reached into my wallet and slapped down my Special Operations coin and stood my ground. Instant brotherhood. Everyone sat down and life resumed. Now I must carry both.
We can do this in Rotary. We are all different and from time to time and we have our differences, but despite that we are all supposed to be united in Rotary Service, SERVICE ABOVE SELF. Wear your Rotary "coin" all the time, wear your lapel badge proudly. It is much more important than any other Rotary Symbol, be it a Paul Harris Fellowship pin or a RYLA pin, or even a Past President pin. That simple wheel, just like that base metal coin, should be enough with no further words. That is your honour coin. Make sure you keep earning it.
The Honour Coin: A little history first. Among the military of the world there is a tradition which I believe started in the USA a long time ago, but which is now fairly widespread around the world. In its origin it involved the giving on an "Honour Coin" a thick coin about 3cm across with a unit badge upon it. It could be given by a "mate" or by a unit commander or a general officer. It was a very personal gift. It was made of base metal, quite inexpensive, yet its value was enormous because these were not handed out lightly or frivolously. Receiving an honour coin was, between personnel, as big a "thank you" or a sign of huge respect as the receipt of any formal award. It was a sign of respectful and honorific kinship. It is one's duty to carry that coin with you wherever you go and to present it when challenged.
Over the years in the RA RA! brotherly world of the military, these coins are nowadays more commonly called CHALLENGE COINS because they have become a sign of legitimacy among brothers. If one is yarning with another and makes some comments or observations about a military past which was "exceptionally exciting" then the one doing the listening may think that the story is a bit too wide.... If they are a holder of a Challenge Coin, they may slap it down on the table and say "what say you to that?" The defeat to the challenge is to then take out your own Challenge coin and slap that down too. No matter what units they came from, this forms an immediate bond between the two which cannot reasonably be broken. They are both united in the approbation of their colleagues.
Then, bearing in mind that "boys will be boys" (it's OK ladies, active duty females can now participate....) it comes down to the pride in the unit that gave you the coin. A person who served with glory in "stores" will defer to someone with a Ranger Challenge Coin. Everyone defers to a Special Operations Command Challenge Coin, though a Ranger may argue that!
On July 15th I received a ROTARY Honour/Challenge Coin. It came from our Past President along with his sincere thanks for services rendered to Canada One. I was taken aback by it but felt an immense rush of pride. On one side is the Rotary Wheel and SERVICE ABOVE SELF and on the other side is engraved the 4-way test.. If ever challenged by a Challenge Coin holder, I'd be very proud to slap that coin down on the table in response.
I have once been challenged in public by a rather large former soldier who slapped his Ranger coin down on the table. This could have been a café clearing incident, but I reached into my wallet and slapped down my Special Operations coin and stood my ground. Instant brotherhood. Everyone sat down and life resumed. Now I must carry both.
We can do this in Rotary. We are all different and from time to time and we have our differences, but despite that we are all supposed to be united in Rotary Service, SERVICE ABOVE SELF. Wear your Rotary "coin" all the time, wear your lapel badge proudly. It is much more important than any other Rotary Symbol, be it a Paul Harris Fellowship pin or a RYLA pin, or even a Past President pin. That simple wheel, just like that base metal coin, should be enough with no further words. That is your honour coin. Make sure you keep earning it.
Inspirational Moment
Submitted by Frank Yakimchuk
Canadiana
Comments from our Guests and Members
Members and guest attending our weekly meetings are very important to us. Based on your comments we are able to produce many more educational, inspiring and entertaining weekly meetings.
Following are some of the comments we have received. Would you send us your comments please?
"Franklin Expedition"
The documentary, although 55 minutes long, was very interesting, detailing the forensic research completed in 1986.
Ivan Docker, RC of Edmonton Strathcona, D-5370
Really enjoyed the Inspirational Moment that profiled opportunities for people with Autism, and the DNA Journey. Great Stuff.
Andy Adams, RC of Campbell River, D-5020
What a powerful short segment on how with a simple DNA test that we can see that there really is no pure race. People that come from the most conflict in the world soon found out that they could be related. A female that is Jewish found out she has a cousin that is a Palestine.
Michael Thomas, RC of Stony Plain, D-5370
Announcements
Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund Established
Click HERE for details
Please note; if you wish you can also donate for the Fort McMurray fund through our website via PayPal.
Just make a notation that the funds donated are to be used for the Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund.
How do YOU Support our E-Club?
In order for our club to continue with its much needed projects helping others, your contributions are critical.
You may use either, the Paypal Button on the side bar, donation button on the attendance form, or by sending a cheque to:
The Rotary E-club of Canada One
Box 9 Site 10, RR#2, Cochrane, Alberta, Canada T4C 1A2
We thank you for your donation.
A Little Humor
Submitted by Gord Lewis
New Members Corner
Submitted by Elly Contreras
Meet the New RI President
Read the profile of RI President by clicking HERE
Visit the office of the President by clicking HERE
Rotary Minute
Food for Thought
"Rotary summons men to respond to their best impulses...their best selves...[to]
lift up their heads in every land. The best things in us are not confined by national
boundaries."
- The Tree That Is Rotary, THE ROTARIAN, December 1934
Rotary Jukebox
For a small donation, your favorite musician will be featured on one of our next e-meetings for everyone to enjoy.
Every week we'll have a draw and the lucky person will see their song featured!
Requested by Chris Langley, and also noted;
Submitted by Frank Yakimchuk
Canadiana
Comments from our Guests and Members
Members and guest attending our weekly meetings are very important to us. Based on your comments we are able to produce many more educational, inspiring and entertaining weekly meetings.
Following are some of the comments we have received. Would you send us your comments please?
"Franklin Expedition"
The documentary, although 55 minutes long, was very interesting, detailing the forensic research completed in 1986.
Ivan Docker, RC of Edmonton Strathcona, D-5370
Really enjoyed the Inspirational Moment that profiled opportunities for people with Autism, and the DNA Journey. Great Stuff.
Andy Adams, RC of Campbell River, D-5020
What a powerful short segment on how with a simple DNA test that we can see that there really is no pure race. People that come from the most conflict in the world soon found out that they could be related. A female that is Jewish found out she has a cousin that is a Palestine.
Michael Thomas, RC of Stony Plain, D-5370
Announcements
Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund Established
Click HERE for details
Please note; if you wish you can also donate for the Fort McMurray fund through our website via PayPal.
Just make a notation that the funds donated are to be used for the Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund.
August is Membership and New Club Development Month
How do YOU Support our E-Club?
In order for our club to continue with its much needed projects helping others, your contributions are critical.
You may use either, the Paypal Button on the side bar, donation button on the attendance form, or by sending a cheque to:
The Rotary E-club of Canada One
Box 9 Site 10, RR#2, Cochrane, Alberta, Canada T4C 1A2
We thank you for your donation.
A Little Humor
Submitted by Gord Lewis
New Members Corner
Submitted by Elly Contreras
Meet the New RI President
Whenever John F. Germ saw a need in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee, he engineered a solution. He'll bring the same can-do attitude to the office of RI president.
Read the profile of RI President by clicking HERE
Visit the office of the President by clicking HERE
Rotary Minute
Food for Thought
"Rotary summons men to respond to their best impulses...their best selves...[to]
lift up their heads in every land. The best things in us are not confined by national
boundaries."
- The Tree That Is Rotary, THE ROTARIAN, December 1934
Rotary Jukebox
For a small donation, your favorite musician will be featured on one of our next e-meetings for everyone to enjoy.
Every week we'll have a draw and the lucky person will see their song featured!
Requested by Chris Langley, and also noted;
"When I lived in Alberta in my early years in Canada, I brought from UK with me a love for folk music, shanty and ballad singing and became involved with the South Side Folk Club in Edmonton. On a fairly regular basis a Canadian singer by the name of Stan Rogers, his brother Garnet and a couple of others would come and headline an evening and that wonderful character would belt out his songs, with which I fell in love. After the evening we would often gather at whichever home he was staying at or find someplace to gather and carry on the party. It was a form of intimacy around music and folk ballads and a good friendship grew, always re-engaged when he was in Edmonton, Then on June 2nd 1983 I heard the morning news that an Air Canada plane had caught fire in the air over Kentucky and made an emergency landing. On landing the aircraft doors were thrown open to dissipate the smoke, but the onrush of oxygen into the plane caused a flash fire and Stan was killed with 22 others. He was returning from a folk festival in the USA and was not meant to be on that plane, but had been delayed. He was just 33, the same age as my elder son is now. How I miss that man, his voice, his character and his very Canadian music. I wasn't at this filmed gathering, but at several others just like it. Time has flown. Stan would be 66 now......"
Speaker Program
Submitted by Jim Ferguson
This officially ends this week's meeting
Submitted by Jim Ferguson
This officially ends this week's meeting
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