In the year 1950, Harry S. Truman was president, James Dean appeared in his first commercial, and a new home averaged $8,500.00. 1950 was also the year that Hermosa Beach Rotarian Robert Peterson joined Rotary. For his 63 years of service, PDG Pat Cashin presented Mr. Peterson with a special honor from RI President Ron Burton.
 
Rotary International President Ron Burton sent Robert Peterson a very special letter. In it, he said:
 
Dear Bob,
 
Congratulations on 63 years of Rotary service. You have reached an incredible milestone that speaks of your dedication to Rotary. You have discovered the joy of putting Service Above Self. You have seen that through Rotary, we can do so much more together than we could ever do alone.
 
Rotary lets us do more, reach higher, and makes us a part of something bigger than ourselves. And, no matter how much we give to Rotary, Rotary gives us so much more in return.
 
Again, congratulations on this important anniversary. I am proud to serve alongside committed Rotarians like you, as we work to Engage Rotary, Change Lives.
 
Sincerely,
Ron D. Burton
President, Rotary International