“Let Peace Prevail on Earth”
“Let Peace Prevail on Earth…” This is the phrase and these are the words that are posted all around the world in often inconspicuous places reminding all who see them where we most need to focus our thoughts, words and intentions. They can be found engraved into the sides of what are known as Peace Poles which are being planted in growing numbers all around the world. Are you not familiar with the Peace Pole movement? A Peace Pole is a hand crafted monument that displays the message and prayer; “Let Peace Prevail on Earth” on each of its six sides, usually in different languages. Over the years, tens of thousands of Peace Poles in over 180 countries around the world have been planted as monuments to peace. They serve as constant reminders for us to visualize and pray for world peace. When you plant a Peace Pole in your community, you are linking with people all over the world who have planted Peace Poles in the same spirit of peace.
Peace Poles carrying the message “Let Peace Prevail on Earth” have been presented to many international organizations and governments to promote a culture of peace around the world. Some of those involved in peace pole dedications include the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Jimmy Carter, Deepak Chopra, John Denver as well as city and state government officials, and many local organizations and youth groups.
Some of the locations where Peace Poles can be found include the Allenby Bridge between Israel and Jordan, at the Peace Park where 84 Peace Poles commemorate the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City; at the War Museum in Vietnam; at Robben Island in South Africa where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned; at the pyramids at El Giza in Egypt; at the site of the baptism of Jesus at the River Jordan, and at many schools, churches, synagogues, mosques and temples across the United States and around the world.
This is why One Planet United is honored to be part of bringing this initiative into reality in our home town community. OPU and The City of Coral Springs Multi-Cultural Committee have joined in partnership to sponsor the placing of a Peace Pole in the International Peace Garden in Coral Springs. After years of working together on many initiatives embracing themes regarding multi-culturalism, unity and peace, the two organizations have come together to plant another peace pole and add to this global movement. The planting of this Peace Pole will take place on Friday September 17th and will be part of the annual celebration of The International Day of Peace. OPU and the City of Coral Springs have worked hard to bring attention to this very important celebration. “Peace Day” as it is often called, is the day that was established by a United Nations resolution back in 1981 which encourages all of mankind to work in cooperation for peace. It has grown to include millions of people in all parts of the world, and each year events are organized to commemorate and celebrate this day. Events range in scale from private gatherings to public concerts and forums where hundreds of thousands of people participate.
If you live locally, I hope you will come out and join us in celebration of this great occasion. If you live outside of Southeast Florida, I invite you to be the catalyst to bring a peace pole to your own community. It is my hope that the numbers of Peace Poles continue to grow and multiply and who knows…one day there might be Peace Poles in every town, of every community, of every country, and of every nation, and thus, be a reminder to all that peace can indeed prevail on earth! Peace out.
Note: To learn more about The Peace Pole Project, and possibly bring one to your community, visit: www.peacepoleproject.org To learn more about The International Day of Peace visit www.internationaldayofpeace.org
Jack Bloomfield is the co-founder and executive director of One Planet United, Inc., a
non profit 501(c)3 organization.
One Planet United's mission statement is: To bring unity and understanding to all people
through experiential and educational programs, projects and resources.
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