The Rotary Club of Elizabethton dedicated a new Peace Pole at Harmon Park on September 28, 2023, marking a significant addition to the community’s commitment to promoting peace. The pole, located near the park’s Rotary Pavilion, serves as a symbol of hope and unity, echoing a global initiative that has seen over 250,000 Peace Poles installed in countries worldwide since World War II.
Acting President Bill Anderson led the dedication ceremony, emphasizing the pole’s purpose as a silent prayer for peace on earth. Each of the pole’s four sides features the message, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” in English, French, German, and Spanish. Anderson expressed his hopes that the Peace Pole would inspire visitors to become peacemakers in their daily lives.
In his prayer, Anderson stated, “May this Peace Pole be an inspiration to all who encounter it to seek to be peacemakers in both their public and personal lives.”
The dedication ceremony included participation from local dignitaries, including City Council members Richard Barker and Debbie Gouge, as well as Gary McAllister, the Rotary District 7570 Area Governor from Johnson City. Their presence underscored the community’s shared values centered around peace and collaboration.
Former Rotary Club President Charlene Ray, who initiated the project, expressed gratitude to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department for their support in overseeing the installation. Ray, who recently transitioned to the Rotary Club of Bristol TN/VA, was recognized for her contributions to Elizabethton during a catered dinner following the ceremony.
The dedication of the Peace Pole reflects not only the Rotary Club’s commitment to service but also a broader message of unity that resonates within the community. As a visual reminder of the importance of peace, it invites residents and visitors alike to reflect on their roles in fostering harmony both locally and globally.
Elizabethton’s Peace Pole stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring hope for a peaceful future.
