More than a dozen Lions converged on the steps of the Island County Courthouse March 16 in Coupeville.

But rather than roar, the group gathered quietly around the flag pole to celebrate the raising of the official flag of Lions Club International.

Island County commissioners declared March 16 Annual Lions Day and representatives from the five Whidbey Island Lions Clubs were on hand for the brief ceremony.

Lions Zone Chairman Doug Tyler read the commissioners’ proclamation out loud, part of which stated the honor was an opportunity to recognize the contributions made not only on Whidbey by the Lions Clubs.

“We kind of get so involved in things locally that this reminds us of the Lions’ international impact,” said Tyler, whose home club is the North Whidbey Chapter. “We currently have chapters in 207 countries and territories.”

The five clubs on Whidbey Island include South Whidbey, Central Whidbey, Coupeville, Oak Harbor and North Whidbey. Tyler said the Lions are a reflection of their community.

“We have members from all walks of life,” he said. “We’re not a business club. Our only requirement is a willingness to serve the community.”

Longtime Central Whidbey Lions Club member Virginia Munn said that is the best part of participating in the group.

“Serving the community is wonderful,” she said. “We do a lot of building and construction projects.”

Lions Club International was formed in 1917 and has 45,000 clubs with more than 1.3 million members, making it the world’s largest service organization.

Go to www.e-district.org/sites/19hz7/ for information on the Lions Club and how to get involved with a club near you.