The Rotary Club of Rock Island of District 6420 dedicated the installation of five Peace Poles in Rock Island with a ceremony June 17 at the Quad City Botanical Center, which is one of the Peace Pole sites.
The other Peace Pole sites are Rock Island High School, Friendship Manor, the downtown branch of the Rock Island Public Library and the Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center.
Each of the five Peace Poles bears the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in eight different languages. Funding for the poles was provided by generous donations from Rock Island Rotary Club members Cindi Gramenz, Ruth Lee, Nancy Luckenbill, Richard Phillis and Sue Rector – and their families.
“It is our hope that by planting these Peace Poles throughout Rock Island, the Rotary Club of Rock Island is planting hope, unity, and a shared vision for a more compassionate world—one neighborhood at a time,” said Club President Sue Rector. “May their message of ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ echo in our hearts and our community.”
The Rock Island Peace Poles join tens of thousands around the globe, representing the diversity of the human family and a shared longing for a world without conflict, said Rock Island Rotary Club member Bob Swanson.
“Each one is a reminder to think, speak and act in the spirit of peace and harmony,” said Swanson, the club’s sergeant at arms. “For Rotary, peace is more than a goal — it is a responsibility. Through our service projects, international exchange and youth programs, we strive to build bridges of understanding and goodwill across borders and generations.”