Posted by Rich Prager on Jul 20, 2022
The Rotary Club of Worcester invites you to its Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony. The joyous event is set for July 21 at 5:00 p.m. (rain or shine) near the footbridge at Worcester's Elm Park (see photo below).
 
Agenda:
  • 5:00 – 5:05: Opening Remarks:  Worcester Past President Andy Burgoyne
  • 5:05 – 5:10: Why a Peace Pole: Worcester Rotarian Richard Prager
  • 5:10 – 5:15: Guest Speaker: Acting Worcester City Manager Eric Batista
  • 5:15 – 5:20: Guest Speaker: Rotary District 7910 Governor-Elect Elliott Rittenberg
  • 5:20 – 5:25: Peace Pole Unveiling
    • Formal Dedication
    • Closing Remarks
    • Song by 2022 Auburn High School graduate Gabriella Villegas
History of Peace Poles
 
More than 200,000 Peace Poles have been planted over the past nine decades around the world. The first Peace Poles were planted in Ishikawa, Japan after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima by the United States during World War Two. The message of May Peace Prevail on Earth has resonated on every continent and in every major city in the world.
 
Why Plant a Peace Pole?
 
Planting a Peace Pole is a way of bringing communities together to inspire, awaken and uplift the human consciousness. It is an uplifting project for any community, organization, or your own home. Peace Poles are now recognized as the most prominent international symbol and monument to peace. They remind us to think, speak and act in the spirit of peace and harmony.  They stand as a silent visual for peace to prevail on our planet.  There is now a Peace Pole in every country on Earth.
 
District 5100 Rotary Peace Pole Project
 
Three year ago on the International Day of Peace, Rotary District 5100 in Oregon, set out to plant 100 Peace Poles in Northern Oregon and Southern Washington. In actuality, 128 Peace Poles were planted that day. At the end of 2020, more than 325 Peace Poles had been installed.
 
Peace Pole Ceremony
An important part of the Peace Pole planting is the Peace Pole Ceremony. The ceremonial gathering brings the community together and can include interfaith peace activities, concerts, tree plantings. exhibitions, speeches, picnics, and activities for children.
 
To view the worldwide Peace Pole map, click hereTo learn more about Peace Poles, visit May Peace Prevail on Earth International. Or, contact Larry Strober
of the Rotary Peace Pole Project at lsstrober@yahoo.com and 415-720-8262. And visit his Facebook page.

For more information, contact Worcester Rotarian Richard "Rich" Prager at rcprager@charter.net