The Rotary Club of Bedford gathered on May 5 to celebrate one of its own in a memorable meeting that drew a distinguished group of visiting dignitaries, including District Governor Johnny Ahern, District Governor Elect Penny Hamel, and Past District Governor Joyce Graff. The occasion: honoring Past District Governor Ralph Hammond with not one but two Rotary International awards — the Avenues of Service Award and the Service Above Self Award.
DG Johnny delivered the presentation, describing the Avenues of Service Award as recognition for dedicated service across all five of Rotary's core areas: Club, Vocational, Community, International, and Youth Services. Ralph's career has touched every one. He led international teacher training projects in Nepal and the Philippines, founded a Rotary club abroad, and has brought service-based learning to students locally through filmmaking programs and work with the local Science Center. His long record of Rotary leadership — spanning roles as District Governor, District Grant Subcommittee Chair, Executive Secretary, and Club President — has always been driven by purpose rather than position.
The meeting's second honor carried even greater weight. Out of more than 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide, Ralph was one of only 132 individuals selected this year to receive Rotary International's highest recognition: the Service Above Self Award. Nominator Victor cited more than four decades of humanitarian service, from expanding internet access in schools to serving veterans at the VA Hospital, to ten consecutive years riding the Pan-Mass Challenge for cancer research — including one year while undergoing chemotherapy.
Ralph has received the District Rotarian of the Year award, the Rotary Foundation Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service awards, Bedford's Citizen of the Year honor, and the VA Volunteer of the Year award — a record that speaks for itself.
As DG Johnny put it in his remarks, Ralph doesn't just believe in Service Above Self. He challenges all of us to live it more fully.