THUNDER BAY – LIVING – On September 21st the 3 Rotary Clubs of Thunder Bay hosted the UN International Day of Peace at Prince Arthur’s Landing Tai Chi Garden. One of Rotary’s key areas of focus is Peace and this year’s United Nation’s theme was “Peace Through Climate Change”. Flags of all nations surrounded the park. The Peace Pole installed on Saul Laskin Drive has “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in English, French and Ojibwa.
The program started with President Nancy Proulx, of the Northwestern Ontario Francophone Association, promoting the inclusion of French as we are a bilingual country. President Clifford Mushquash, of the Lakehead Rotary Club, supported our Aboriginal heritage in Thunder Bay. Mayor Mauro prioritized a visit to our event and laid a flower at the Rotary Peace Pole monument. Archdeacon Deborah Kraft spoke of how it was never too late to change and promote inclusion. Chair Irene Sottile brought greetings from the Rotary District 5580 District Governor Rick Bricker. She reiterated on how climate change encourages peace.
Thunder Brass entertained. The lovely voice of Rachael Sebesta sang John Lennon’s “Imagine” and Kevin Holloway, of Port Arthur Rotary, ended the program inviting all to sing “Give Peace a Chance”.
The event ended with all taking 100 steps to the Peace Pole and placing a flower on the Rotary Monument inscribed “With Mutual Respect – We live with others in Peace.”
There are over 250,000 Peace Poles all over the world and Thunder Bay has it’s own at our marina.
Irene Sottile -Fort William Rotary, Chair Rotary Peace Day Ceremony
