American poet and Rotarian Edgar A. Guest wrote this poem for the September 1940 issue of the Rotarian magazine.
 

Greeting To Rotary
Against the change of passing years, 
The crumbling stone and steel decay
And every cynic voice that jeers
Unchanged this simple truth will stay:
He serves God best unto life's end
Who plays the neighbor and the friend.
These things which Rotary believes
And men and nations strive to teach
Are not those goals which skill achieves
But such as lie in easier reach.
The world will change its worst for good
With universal brotherhood.
So mind not what the cynics cry.
Pay little heed to wisdom proud.
Still hold the Rotary banner high
And serve the truth and not the crowd.
Still keep for all mankind to see
The spirit that is Rotary.