For nearly three centuries, carolers of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” have vocalized the line:
Peace on earth and mercy mild
As such, the dedication of a new Peace Pole at the Pine Community Center came at an appropriate time of year.
Brought to the center by the Rich-Mar Rotary Club, the pole serves as “a powerful symbol of hope, unity and the shared goal of peace that transcends borders, cultures and beliefs,” according to Seth Prentice, the club’s president-elect.
He spoke on Nov. 16 during Pine’s Holiday Dazzle Show about the pole, thanking Rotarian Jim Long, “whose efforts and enthusiasm made this possible.”
“As Rotarians, we are committed to advancing international understanding, goodwill and people through our many programs and initiatives,” Prentice said. “Today, this Peace Pole reinforces those ideals and serves as a reminder that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of understanding, respect and collaboration.”
Launched in Japan in 1955, he said, the Peace Pole Project has resulted in more than 250,000 poles planted worldwide.
“The Peace Pole is more than just a marker. It is a call to action,” he explained. “It challenges each of us to reflect on how we can contribute to peace in our homes, communities and the world. Whether through kind words, acts of service or efforts to build bridges of understanding, we all have a role to play in creating a more harmonious world.”