On September 22, 2026, RCAA members and University of Michigan Rotaractors gathered in the Peony Garden at Nichols Arboretum on the University of Michigan campus for the Dedication of the Peace Pole donated by these two groups and the celebration of the United Nations International Day of Peace (September 21). Rotary International has joined in this UN recognition since 1984. This year’s theme is: Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day! This year’s theme honors the ‘everyday architects of peace’ – people driving local action, laying the groundwork for stability, and building a lasting peace from the ground up.

Rotaract Co-Presidents Randle Kado and Margaret Needham opened the Dedication and thanked RCAA for their support and cooperation to complete this project.

RCAA President Roy More congratulated both groups on completion of this special project. These are unsettling times and a place to be calm and contemplate Peace is most needed. Roy also talked about the importance of Rotary as an international organization with 1.2 million members in 200 countries across the globe. It is only fitting that Rotary engage in peace-building efforts.

Norma Sarkar, ARC and Peace Committee spoke on behalf of committee chair, Dave Keren.Norma acknowledged the contributions of Rotarians and Rotaractors to complete this task. Dennis Powers is the Rotaractor Liaison from RCAA. Olivia Guzman was the Rotaractor Project Chair, Rosemarie Rowney contacted Mike Rein, RCAA member and university administrator. Mike Rein worked with staff to identify this beautiful location in the Arboretum. Olivia worked with Randle and Margaret to select the site in the Arboretum. RCAA provided the Peace Pole with the 8 most common languages in Ann Arbor. Nichols Arboretum Staff arranged for the placement of the Peace Pole. John White, RCAA member designed the Donation sign placed on the Peace Pole. Randle and Margaret arranged for this wonderful Dedication Ceremony!

All of these individuals are “truly architects of Peace” as described n the 2026 UN International Day of Peace theme. “people driving local action, laying the groundwork for stability, and building a lasting peace from the ground up.”
This Peace Pole will be registered with “May Peace Prevail on Earth International”. This organization records the location of Peace Poles around the world on a world map. It is estimated that there are 200,000 Peace poles around the globe.
The celebration continued in a nearby building where Rotary members and Rotaractors gathered for cake and conversation.

“Peace poles are now the most recognized monument dedicated to peace on earth. They represent the highest aspirations of peace and goodwill inherent in the human heart.
Peace Poles serve as vehicles to carry the message, ‘May Peace Prevail On Earth,’ out to every corner on earth.
They are planted to uplift, empower and elevate the human consciousness to embrace the oneness of our global family.” (May Peace Prevail on Earth International)

If you would like a moment of Peace in this hectic world, please visit a Peace Pole in the community. They are located at the Peony Garden, Nichols Arboretum(RCAA and U of M Rotaractors); Gallup Park, just down the path from the Canoe Sculpture (RCAA) and in the Butterfly Garden at Gallup Park (Rotary Club of Ann Arbor North)

If you would like more information about how you can contribute to the work of the ARC and Peace Committee, please contact Dave Keren or Norma Sarkar.