Rotary District 7210 has a history of installing Peace Poles throughout our region over the last 12 years through the efforts of one Rotarian. Approximately 60 have been installed at schools and other community locations throughout the Hudson Valley, through the efforts of primarily one Rotarian from the Greater Newburgh Rotary Club working with clubs from our District. With the inspiration provided by Patricia Shafer, Executive Director, NewGen Peacebuilders at the 2024 District Conference, a focused and concentrated peace program should be initiated and undertaken by as many of our 55 Rotary clubs as soon as possible. An educational program will be developed to educate the clubs on how they can get involved in peace efforts in their communities, thus shining a light on Rotary’s involvement while providing an opportunity for positive public event on peace.
What Is A Peace Pole?
A Peace Pole is a monument that displays the message May Peace Prevail On Earth in the language of the country where it is placed. It usually displays 3 to 7 additional languages meaningful to the host site. The message is referred to as an affirmation of peace and its placement furthers Rotary’s goal of building a culture of peace throughout the world.
Peace Poles are intended to inspire unity among people of all cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. We recommend a Peace Pole ceremony to accompany the planting of each pole and this ceremony can be held annually.
The Rotary Bell.
(REASONING behind the RING!)
In 1922, U.S. Rotarians organized an attendance contest to see which club could increase their attendance at meetings the most. The challenge was that the losing clubs would join in giving the winning club a prize.
The Rotary Club of New York City was declared the winner and they were awarded as a prize, a bell from a popular patrol boat, which was placed on a block of wood that came from HMS “Victory,” Admiral Nelson’s vessel at the battle of Trafalgar.
Since then, the bell used in Rotary meetings started to represent, as on the ships, order, discipline and the time to guide us through the weekly hour and half meetings. The bell informs us with its sound the beginning of the meeting at which time people present should stand in order to salute the US and Rotary flags. The sounding of the bell concludes meetings and is also rung at somber times.
Positive Peace Plus Committee
Tony Marmo, Co-Chair
Doug Sturomski, Co-Chair
Todd Bowen
Dick Thurston
Bill Bassett