Peace Poles Unveiled
Peace was celebrated at Murray Bridge High School with members of the middle school, Rotary Club of Murray Bridge, and the Murraylands Multicultural Network. Mayor Wayne Thorley and Adrian Pederick MP also attended. The Peace Pole program had its beginnings in 1955. You can now find Peace Poles in close to 200 countries with over 250,000 placed around the world.
They symbolise our common wish for peace. They stand as a silent vigil, at the enterance of the school, reminding us to think and act in the spirit of PEACE. The poles were installed on World Peace Day. Rotary is celebrating with 100 Peace poles in South Australia and also 100 years of Rotary. "May Peace prevail on Earth" is the catch cry in 4 languages on each pole. Twenty languages are represented in the 5 poles planted at the school so far. They were read out by the students and guests in language. Rotarian Sam Cozens read a message from the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. "As we mark this International Day of Peace, people and our planet are in crisis. Conflicts driving record numbers from their homes. Deadly fires, raging floods, and soaring temperatures, poverty, inequalities and injustices. This year's theme reminds us that peace is not automatic - Peace is the result of ACTION. Action to end war on our planet towards sustainable development goals and ensure that no one is left behind. Action to uphold and protect human rights and dignity of every person - especially as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Decleration of Human Rights. Action to use the timeless tools of diplomacy, dialogue and collaboration to defuse tensions and end conflict. And Action for those millions of people living thru the horrors of war.
Peace is not only a noble vision for humanity! Peace is a call to ACTION".
Story by John Scarvelis.
