Replica of July/August 2006 Article on page 45 of the Lions Magazine
| On March 11th, 2006 nearly 200 Lions and guests as well as then International President Dr. Ashok Mehta and his wife Kokila gathered at the Melvin Jones Memorial in Fort Thomas, Arizona, to pay honor to the association's founder, Melvin Jones. Jones was born in Fort Thomas on January 13, 1879, a time when the west was still largely unsettled. Today, Fort Thomas is still a small town of less than 1,000 people. Land for the site where Jones lived the first seven years of his life was purchased in 1965, and Lions immediately erected a 50-foot obelisk on the site. In 1961 the International Board of Directors proclaimed January 13 as a day of memory each year throughout the world of Lionism. Founders and Rededication month are traditionally observed in January, with a special rededication ceremony held the weekend closest to Jones' birthday. Lions from around the world gather at the site for a ceremony and rededicate themselves to service. The Lions of the Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial lobbied for many years to officially recognize Melvin Jones' birthplace, and in June 1999 the Lions Clubs International Board recognized the site as, an International Shrine. Through the continued efforts of Lion Jim Warren and the members of the Safford Lions Club, the site continues to grow. A museum was added to the 20-acre parcel of land several years ago, and a park was developed on the grounds. Within the museum are items that belonged to Melvin Jones that have been collected over the years as well as items contributed by Jones himself. There is also a memorial wall to, honor Melvin Jones Fellows and contributors to the memorial. The museum |
is typically only the day of reunion but groups' of Lions can request to visit at other times. Lack of funding prevents the Arizona Lions from operating the museum on a full-time basis. Although Jones passed away in 1961 before the spire or museum were complete, he did get to see some early sketches of the site, which he approved. On several occasions before his passing, Jones visited the site where the memorial now stands. The March 2006 tribute was a special occasion for Lions to gather to unveil an engraved marble plaque at the obelisk. The national anthems of India, Mexico, Canada and the United States were played. President Mehta reiterated the importance of the monument. "The Lions were originated by our great founder in 1917. Our thanks goes to the Lions who have built this wonderful memorial. This is an important and special place that we must visit again and again." President Mehta, Lion Bill Lewis and Memorial President Lee McGee and Secretary Ernie Soto then unveiled the plaque to the audience. To enable lions to contribute to the upkeep of the memorial and memorialize our founder, Lions have created a, memorial walk. Individuals, clubs and districts can purchase personalized bricks in the walk from the museum to the building. During the March ceremony, Ashok and Kokila Mehta purchased and installed their personalized bricks. Bricks can be purchased on the Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial Web site at www.lions-mjm.org. As the site accepts Pay-Pal payments, money does not have to be drawn on a US bank. Through the Web site Lions can also request a DVD about the memorial, banner patch, trading pin or make a donation. • |
