Here are some interesting facts to be found in “100 moments in 100 years”.
Three days before the outbreak of WW2, Sir Angus Mitchell wrote to his friend Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary in these words “friendliness, understanding and goodwill were the only lines upon which nations could settle their differences.”
Throughout the war Mitchell planned for reconciliation with Rotarians in Germany and Japan. As President of Rotary International he travelled 160,000 kms visiting rotary clubs in the Americas, Africa, Europe and Oceania. His warmth, simplicity and sincerity based upon his Presbyterian faith made a deep impression on all who met him. By the end of his presidency, 5 clubs in Japan and 2 in Germany were readmitted to Rotary International. He was wise, tolerant and dispassionate in considering the problems confronting the world.
Today’s Peace Institutes identify 8 pillars of peace, if you wish to find them Google “pillars of peace” which he would have agreed.
For Sir Angus Mitchell, for good food and fellowship in a hungry world we give thanks.
Thank you to Peter Hollingworth for providing this reflection on 23 February 2022.
