87th Lions Clubs International Convention

The 87^th Lions International Convention was held in two cities: Detroit, Michigan, USA and Windsor, Ontario, Canada from 5^th – 9th July, 2004. Detroit. 

 

On 6/7/2004 around 7am our MD308 delegates (150) has assembled at the Comerica Park to join in the parade.  

 

We were among the 9000 Lions attending the parade. Many delegates wore their native costumes. Some clubs have their own creative floats, marching girls and bands. 

The gala parade of Lions was inescapable and rightfully, the highlight of the opening. Musical marching bands, colourful cheerleaders and dazzling dancing troupes made it a grandiose spectacle. Every district, throughout the world, proudly wore their traditional attire and displayed its respective banner proclaiming its district. Hearsay has it that our delegation was singled out for outstanding attire. We were all decked out in blue floral batiks. Perhaps, it was our ladies in their “svelte kebayas” that caught the eye!

About 9.30am, our delegates started to move and we paraded
along Brush Street into Jefferson Avenue towards the direction of COBO which is about a mile away. 

As we were nowhere near a marching band in the front or back, we sang from our hearts the tune of 'Rasa Sayang' and 'Burung Kaka Tua'.  Our uniform was most outstanding and I can say that we were smartest dressed with blue batik, white trouser, and the ladies sarong kebaja. We gave out souvenir like caps, flags and badges to the spectacles who gave us much support with their applause.

Several workshops were being conducted including the Lions -Quest program, Diabetes awareness. I participated a workshop with a theme 'Our Youth are Our Future." 

Debbie Reynolds rendered a few oldies during the one hour international performance. 

 At the closing ceremony, our district delegates were roaring away when our four District Governors were proclaimed into office. The simple protocol involved the pin ribbon attached to the breast pocket with the word ‘elect’ being torn-off. With that, the newly elects had sworn their allegiance to LIONS which incidentally stands for “Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nations’ Safety”.