(Photo courtesy of Andrew Kizell)
Last Thursday, September 18, at 4:00 pm, the Rotary Brockville (Rotary Club of Brockville and Rotary Club of the 1000 Islands) hosted a special dedication ceremony for the city’s first Peace Pole in beautiful Reynolds Park. With perfect weather, a strong turnout, and Rotarians looking sharp in their blue Peace Pole t-shirts, the event was a celebration of peace, community, and collaboration.
Susan Brister, Rotary International Service Chair, opened the ceremony with a warm welcome before inviting Candace Loyd, a Métis traditional knowledge holder, to share a thoughtful Indigenous greeting. Sandra Villeneuve followed with a meaningful land acknowledgement.
(Photo by Dale Elliott)
Special thanks were extended to Phil Wood and Chad Davis from the City of Brockville for their help in making the installation possible—both were presented with commemorative t-shirts. Dignitaries and community leaders joined the many Rotarians present, including Rotary Club presidents Katherine Hobbs and John Maskell. Representing the mayor, Councillor Natalie Lavergne delivered remarks of appreciation, highlighting Rotary’s ongoing contributions to Brockville.
Susan Brister also shared the story of how the Peace Pole idea came to her a few years ago, inspired by the global message of peace. First planted in Japan after World War II, Peace Poles now stand in more than 250,000 locations worldwide. Brockville’s pole bears the words “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in English, French, Mohawk, and Anishinaabe.
Adding a touching moment, students from Vanier’s **EarlyAct Club—sponsored by both Rotary Clubs—**, Georgia Sherstone, Molly Johnston, Jaxon Kluje, and Aiden Metcalfe recited a poem about peace in our world, our communities, and our homes.
(Photo by Dale Elliott)
Representatives from L’Association Champlain and the local Filipino community also read the Peace Pole’s inscription aloud in their languages.
The ceremony concluded with the inspiring message: “Let our Rotary Peace Pole stand as a silent yet powerful reminder that peace begins with us—in our hearts, our homes, and our communities.
(Photo by Dale Elliott)