President Larry brought a tradition from his former club. It's called "passing the gavel". Former presidents line up  in chronological order from earliest to most recently served and pass the gavel down the line to the new president. 

This is how he describes it  
 

"The "passing of the gavel" ceremony was a longstanding tradition in my old club.  It serves several purposes besides formally promoting the president-elect to his/her new role.  It also recognizes all of the active former presidents and reinforces the club's appreciation for their service, and serves to show the members who have never led the club as president what they could be participating in in perpetuity."

Wonderful tradition Larry! I hope we continue it for years to come!