"For more than six decades the Noon Optimist Club of Rome has provided continuous service to the youth of Rome and Floyd County. Thus, it is a historic institution, for civic clubs rarely exist that long. And it is even rarer for a civic club to profoundly influence a community the way the Optimist Club has influenced Rome. All of the members have contributed to the success of this club, and they should be remembered. The members should be honored for being part of an organization that has survived many changes in political attitudes, economics, philosophy, etc. among the citizens of Rome, a community which has never recorded more than 42,000 citizens within its city limits. The members ensured the success of this club through their participation, ideas, motivation, and hard work. All of the members should know for certain that the youth of Rome and Floyd County extend to them a big "Thank you" for being a part of their success in life." Dr. James Cook