On 23 February, Rotary celebrated 121 years of service, and we mark this milestone alongside World Understanding and Peace Day. Rotarians celebrated championing peace and strengthening communities. And fittingly, today, we unveil a Peace Pole here at Grace’s Place, a monument of peace, and a commitment to peace in our communities.
The Peace Pole program had its beginnings after the Second World War in 1955 by the World Peace Prayer Society Founder, Masahisa Goi. Now, more than 250,000 Peace Poles stand in approximately 200 countries around the globe, symbolising the common wish for a world at peace.
Every Peace Pole carries the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” a silent vigil for peace and an active reminder for all to think and act in the spirit of peace.
The Peace Pole in Grace’s Place holds 3 other messages and each message carries a meaningful message of hope and peace.
“Something good has to come out of something so bad,” Garry Lynch, Anita’s father’s words, reminds us that even in the deepest pain, we can choose to create something healing.
“Service Above Self” reflects Rotary’s commitment to turning compassion to action towards peace.
“May every child find safety and peace” speaks to the heart of Grace’s Place and to our shared belief that every child deserves a future free from fear.
Together, these messages make the Peace Pole not just a symbol, but a promise, that from sorrow and pain, we build hope; through service, we build peace; and for every child, we commit to working for the safety of children.
The Peace Pole was unveiled by Martha Jabour OAM-CEO HVSG and Tess Sayas-President Rotary Club of Blacktown City, assisted by John Barber-CFO Grace’s Place and Gary Raymond OAM-Ambassador Grace’s Place. The Peace Pole was donated by the Rotary Club of Blacktown City whose members were in attendance to assist in the unveiling and witness the meaningful event. Our Club was also pleased with the presence of DG Renga Rajan, RCL Bharathi Rengarajan and fellow Rotarians from the RCG Akuna.
The unveiling was followed by a fellowship gathering of AKUNA RCG Clubs.
