80TH LIONS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION, PHILADELPHIA, USA
JUNE 30-JULY 5, 1997
June and July are super busy months for all district governors-elect. Having been elected as District Governor (the fiscal year 1997-1998), I was not only busy but equally excited, as I diligently prepare for my “pinnacle” trip. It was the 80th Annual Lions Clubs International Convention in Philadelphia Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, USA from 1st-4th July 1997 where I would be installed as District Governor for District 308B. Even the grim prospect of a 31 hours flight could not dampen my spirits. As the Americans would succinctly put it, I was on Cloud 9!
The Convention City
I arrived in Philadelphia, the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ two days prior to the district governors’ elect school. It was a soaring 102 degrees Fahrenheit! I had expected a roaring welcome at the airport just like our Lions convention back home. Nope, no Lions banners or buntings. I only saw a Welcome Lions sign above the entrance of the COBO Building. Perhaps I was a bit early. I hailed a cab and made my way to the Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel, which is within walking distance of the iconic Independence Hall.
The Lions Convention Centre
The 80th LCI Convention was held at the Pennsylvania Conventions Centre at Arch Street in downtown Philadelphia. The Grand Hall, which is built into the historic Victorian building that was once the Reading Railroad Train Shed, is a dramatic one-of-a-kind space with a majestic arched ceiling.
The Convention Delegates
The Convention Delegates
Much to my chagrin, this convention had a low attendance count. Only about 15 thousand delegates as compared to the other conventions I have attended. The delegates from the United States far outnumbered those from overseas.
I noted that the Asian Lions were much sought after by novelties seekers. A popular Lions’ trend is to exchange colourful and unusual pins from delegates the world over. Goodwill pin exchanges occurred almost everywhere; be it at the Convention Hall, inside the buses and lifts, on hotel escalators, and even at five-foot ways whilst waiting for buses!
The Campaign for International Directors
Politicking a la American style for the election of the International Directors went into full swing the moment you stepped into the Pennsylvania Conventions Centre. Talents and human ingenuity are aplenty, to vie for our votes. In a single day, I collected many gifts including key chains, fans, diaries, stickers, badges, and placards with photos … all with profiles of the candidates. The campaign managers were all in overdrive and spared no expenses to get their candidates elected.
The Convention Sessions
The Opening Convention Plenary Session on 1/7/1997 started on the dot at 8.30 am. The programme started with the Presentation of the Flags of Nations of Lionism. Lions International 2nd Vice President Kajit “KJ” Habananada from Thailand presided over this session.
Argentinian Luis Vincente Giay, the Rotary International President was the Guest Speaker at the 1st Plenary Session. William J. Bennet, a noted author, political commentator, and former presidential appointee (serving as the co-director of Empower America) spoke at the 2nd Plenary Session. Both speakers were very eloquent.
The 3rd Plenary Session was simply electrifying! Candidates vying for International Directorship were each given an opportunity to pitch their candidacy. There was tremendous tension and later, resounding applause when the names of the successful candidates for International Directors were announced. Translations in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Sweden were readily available at all the plenary sessions.
There were also recognitions of the 100% Club Melvin Jones Clubs and the announcement of International Peace Poster Contest Winners.
Next was the Installation of District Governors, all 700 of them, of which 69 of them were ladies. The installation of district governors was carried out by a simple tearing of the broach tail.
The finale was the declaration of the new International President. Judge Howard L “Pat” Patterson, a long-time chancery court judge in Forrest County, Mississippi was voted in. Pat’s theme was “Proud Past … Bright Future”. His supporters and well-wishers thronged the magnificent stage in jubilation. Together, with a 40-strong music band, they took over and celebrated Pat’s IP declaration. A taste of US exuberance on stage!
The Convention Workshops
The Convention had lined up several workshops which were conducted by veteran Lions and Past International Directors. The topics included Focus on Environment, the Lions Eye Health Programme; Leo Clubs, Children At Risk, Eyeglass Recycling, Youth Exchange, Club Twinning, and Peace Poster. Due to the enormity of the crowd as well as time constraints, workshop schedules clashed and it is virtually impossible to attend more than two topics in full.
I opted for Environment and Publicity and “peeked in” on a couple of the others. I must say that all the seminars enjoyed full houses. In some workshops, there was hardly any standing room! The LCI organizers failed to anticipate the numbers, resulting in inadequate seating.
As I reached the end of the seminar hall, I noticed a Round Table Discussion Group in session. I sat in and shared my ideas with other Lions on our Club activities and how we raised funds for projects. In the west, Lions were more comfortable with hands-on projects. A most fruitful exchange of ideas!
The International Parade
The Lions International Parade was held on July 1st, one day before the Opening Convention & Plenary Session. This has been a traditional Lions’ trademark and always heralded the commencement of a Lions Intentional Convention.
Our small contingent assembled at Penn’s Landing on Columbus Boulevard at 10.30am at the 134th position, a long, long way behind! We were a bit disappointed as we could not witness the extravaganza show in the front!! We started marching at 12.30pm. The parade consisted of colourful floats, banners of different contingents, rhythmic bands, and youthful marching girls. We had to walk from Market Street to 13th Street which was about a mile long. The Lion dignitaries, including the International President, the board, and all Past International Presidents and Judges were viewing the march past seated on a dais. It was certainly one of the longest, most colourful, and liveliest international parades I have ever seen. Full of pomp and glamour! Naturally, it made the front pages of all the news tabloids in Philadelphia.
I truly salute the organisers for a job well done! To me, this is the highlight of the Lions International Conventions where over a hundred countries lined the streets of Philadelphia to “parade” the Lions’ fraternity. Unity in diversity!
The International Show
The one-and-a-half-hour show features 60s Rock and Roll idol, singer, and actor Bobby Rydell. There were other varieties of acts too. My sentiment is that an International Show should feature a joint effort by Lions from each nation, each country sharing its unique culture. It would have been a great spectacle if we could see a fiery Maori Haka dance, the graceful Kabuki, the highly expressive Flamenco, or the swaying Hula Dance! Of course, our very own silky Zapin would certainly add to the international flavor. Something to ponder!
Leisure hours
I made use of my free hours at the Pennsylvania Convention Centre engaging with the staff of LCI. They were very approachable and friendly, the very people we communicated with, before our arrival. It also gave me the opportunity to compare notes as to their responsibilities and job scope.
Lion Representatives from District 308B
Our contingent to the Lions International Convention was not that many delegates due to the extra-long flight to Philadelphia. Among the Past Officers of the Association were PCC Dr. Chin Yoon Hiap, PCC Dato Dr. K Nagaratnam, PCC Jeffrey Quah, PDG John Loh and I made up the team with our wives.