From humble beginnings as a club project to its status as an international shrine, the Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial honors the founder of Lions International, the world's largest network of humanitarian service clubs. It honors Melvin Jones who served as the Lions International executive director from its inception in 1917 until his death in 1961.

Following his death, Lions of Arizona began work to create a permanent memorial. Dedicated in 1965, the Memorial has expanded to a four-acre, park-like destination with its iconic 50-foot spire, an adobe-style museum building, plus black-granite monument walls affixed with personalized plaques. Designated as an Arizona state historical site, the Memorial hosts events and activities including an annual rededication to Lions "Celebration" on the weekend closest to his birth day (January 13 of each year).

Support for the Memorial, its site operations, and expansion of its museum and historical exhibits is realized solely from donations, from Lions members, clubs and individuals who want to preserve Jones' legacy and philosophy — "You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else." — which lives in the Lions motto 'We Serve.'

Click here to view a short video that adds to the history of the Memorial.

Born in 1879 during the Indian Wars near Fort Thomas, Arizona Territory, young Melvin Jones learned early how vital is working together, pooling talents, energies and resources for survival and community success. This was a time when the Indian Wars of the American West were savage and survival required working with friends and neighbors for mutual assistance ...lessons he learned as a boy that assisted him as an adult in the equally savage world of business during the industrial revolution of the early 1900s.

As an adult in 1917, Melvin Jones joined with other successful businessmen in service to community. What developed is Lions International, the largest network of service clubs in the world with more than 1.4 million members in 220 countries. Focus areas are vision, diabetes, hunger, environment and childhood cancer. While global in status and stature, Lions focus on local issues and service activities while maintaining Jones' philosophy: You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else" — a mantra that is central to Lions' motto 'We Serve.'

Jones served Lions International as its executive director and Secretary-General until his death in 1961. Lions of Arizona began work to create a permanent memorial to honor his leadership. In 1965, the Memorial was dedicated and further designated a Lions International shrine (1999), as well as an Arizona state historical site.

Feel free to join us for "Celebrating Lionsim - Living and Serving the Vision of Lions" the weekend of January 10-11, 2025. Featured guest speaker will be Ernesto "TJ" Tijerina, Past International Director from San Antonio, Texas. Events of the weekend include the Friday morning Memorial Board Meeting followed by an afternoon "Open Forum" discussion on memorial vision and plans at the Memorial. Saturday activities commence with the open visitation and networking at the Memorial and Archives beginning at 9 a.m. The "Rededication to Lionism" program starts at 10 a.m. followed by a luncheon (12 noon) at Eastern Arizona College in nearby Thatcher. Cost for the luncheon is $35 per person with registration in advance.

You are welcome to participate in all or select your event. Two ways to reserve your luncheon tickets: send your money to MJLIM c/o Clyde Elrod, 545 W. Bismark St., San Tan Valley, AZ 85143 or use the QR code at right to purchase online tickets. Overnight stays at the Springhill Suites Marriott (2855 W. Hwy. 70, Thatcher) can be reserver at a discounted $139 per night (Friday or Saturday) by calling the hotel direct at 928-428-6900 and using the code: Lions 2025.

The prestigious Vanguard honor recognizes the fraternal group of one thousand who contribute $1,000 (US) to our vision for the World Culture Center at the Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial. The funds provided by the one thousand Vanguards will be used to purchase acreage adjacent to the existing memorial and invested in engineering and design for a comprehensive Center Pavilion and museum facility.

The extended vision is to rebuild and restore the military outpost that was Fort Thomas as it originally existed when Melvin Jones was born and raised through early childhood at the camp. Further, to build a pavilion honoring the Native Indian Nations of the Americas (particularly those of the Arizona Territory) — to tell their history and share their rich cultures with historical accuracy. Another pavilion will display the activities and services of Lions throughout the world. Lions of every country that have clubs will be invited to provide exhibits of their projects and activities of Lions in action.

The Vanguard vision extends also to a pavilion recognizing individuals who have had a significant impact on the development and enrichment of human-kind throughout history, and to build a conference and hospitality center for tourism and conference meetings. The goal is to create a unique tourist destination site attracting families and students for an educational extravaganza that is cutting edge and first class.

A complete list of Vanguard recipients, as well as a complete directory of donors for plaques and bricks will be available soon. Please check back.