About Rotary
Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that
provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations,
and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians
belong to more than 31,000 Rotary clubs located in 166 countries.
About the Emblem
Rotary's early emblem was a simple wagon wheel
(in motion with dust). It was designed in 1905 by Montague M. Bear, a member
of the Rotary Club of Chicago who was an engraver. He designed the emblem to
represent both civilization and movement. Most of the early Rotary clubs adopted
the wheel in one form or another.
In 1922, the organization decided to create and preserve an emblem for the
exclusive use of all Rotarians, and the following year, the present emblem,
a gearwheel with 24 cogs and six spokes, was adopted. A keyway was added to
signify the usefulness of the gearwheel.
An official description of the emblem was adopted at the 1929 International
Convention. Royal blue and gold were chosen as the official Rotary colors
and the flag of Rotary was designated as a white field with the emblem emblazoned
in its center. The emblem, worn as a lapel pin, now identifies Rotarians around
the world.
The Rotary emblem is a trademark owned by Rotary International and is
protected throughout the world by the international association. The
emblem is a registered trademark in more than 35 countries to date.
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