Lions Club Invocation And Loyal Toast -

Tonight, we have done both. We have remembered the divine spark that calls us to kindness. And we have sworn again our earthly bond to nation and neighbor.

Fellow Lions, there is a second object on that imaginary table with Melvin Jones’s lantern. Not a lantern—a cup. A simple, unadorned cup.

There is an old tradition among Lions, whispered from club to club across a hundred years and two hundred nations. They say that when Melvin Jones founded our association in 1917, he carried a small brass lantern to his first meeting. Not to light the room—the gaslights were on—but to light the purpose . He placed it on the table and said: “We are not here to dine. We are here to serve. And before we serve, we must see clearly.” Lions Club Invocation And Loyal Toast

“To our country—” All: “AND TO THE PEACE AND PROSPERITY IT DESERVES!”

Good evening, fellow Lions, distinguished guests, and friends of service. Tonight, we have done both

We raise this cup to the land that gives us freedom. To the flag that waves for all. To the leaders who govern with integrity. And to the millions of Lions before us who stood exactly where we stand now, raised their glasses, and said:

That lantern has been passed down, not as an object, but as an invocation. Tonight, we light it again. Fellow Lions, there is a second object on

Replace “Almighty God” with “Spirit of Community,” “Source of All Good,” or “Our Shared Conscience.” The story’s lantern metaphor remains intact.