A global symbol of peace will soon find its place at the Wyomissing Public Library in Pennsylvania. As part of the Rotary District 7430 Youth Exchange program, the library on Reading Boulevard has been selected to receive a Rotary Peace Pole. This installation aims to promote peace and serve as a reminder of the importance of cultivating harmony in thoughts, words, and actions.
According to the Rotary Peace Pole website, peace poles are recognized as a prominent international symbol dedicated to peace on earth. They have been planted in over 200,000 communities across every continent, uniting supporters in efforts to uplift the consciousness of humanity. The dedication of the peace pole at the library is scheduled for 2026, with participation from Rotary exchange program students in District 7430.
Initiative Origin and Significance
The initiative for this peace pole emerged from a discussion led by Linda Kennedy, chair of the Rotary District 7430 Youth Exchange program, during the Rotary International worldwide convention held in June. At this convention, youth exchange program leaders were encouraged to integrate peace initiatives into their long-term exchanges. The peace pole will prominently feature the message, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” a phrase originally authored in 1955 by Japanese peace activist Masahisa Goi.
The Wyomissing peace pole will display this message in several languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Japanese, and Norwegian. These languages represent the countries of the Rotary Youth exchange students who will be residing in District 7430 during the 2025-26 school year. The district encompasses Bucks, Montgomery, Berks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties.
Community Engagement and Support
The Rotary District 7430 Youth Exchange program is supported by local Rotary Clubs, which focus on meaningful initiatives that positively impact communities, one student and one peace pole at a time. The program offers both a short-term summer exchange and a long-term school-year exchange, allowing students to immerse themselves in new cultures and experiences.
For those interested in learning more about becoming an exchange student or hosting a student, additional information can be found at Rotary7430yep.org. The introduction of the peace pole at the Wyomissing Public Library not only symbolizes a commitment to peace but also enhances the cultural richness of the community it serves.
For more details on Rotary Peace Poles and to explore an interactive map featuring peace poles around the world, visit RotaryPeacePoles.world.
