What is a Peace Pole?
A Peace Pole is an internationally recognized symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire
human family, bearing the message May Peace Prevail on Earth in different languages on each
of its four sides. This universal message for World Peace was authored in 1955 by the late
Masahisa Goi of Japan, who was greatly affected by the destruction caused by World War II and
the atomic bombs which fell on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Who is sponsoring this project?
Placing peace poles in five parks within the Springfield-Greene County Park Board system is a
project of the Rotary Clubs of Springfield. Promoting peace has been a longstanding goal of
Rotary International and this Rotary Peacebuilder Initiative is an effort to bring the concept of
“Positive Peace” to the local level.
What is Positive Peace?
Peace is more than just the absence of war or violence. Positive Peace provides the foundation
for communities striving for strong economic performance, better measures of health and well-
being, higher levels of inclusiveness, and an attitude of environmental stewardship. Two of the
most important factors that contribute to Positive Peace are acceptance of the rights of others
and good relations with neighbors.
Where are the Rotary Peace Poles in Springfield?
