Peace Pole Dedication
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Peace Pole with Monoliths
Artist: Joel Selmeier
Pathways to Peace
Landscape Architect: David Whittaker/Human Nature, Inc.
Construction and Installation
The David Vogel Landscape Company
The GAPP Peace Pole Project took shape September, 2005, as Dr. Racelle Weiman, director of The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education, and Chip Harrod, president and CEO of the Washington-based National Conference for Community and Justice, helped dedicate a seven-piece granite sculpture and surrounding landscape design built to stand as a symbol that honors diversity and promotes inclusion. The sculpture is now part of Beech Acres Park in Anderson Township.
Native speakers and others proclaimed the 12 different translations of “May Peace Prevail on Earth” inscribed on six stone monoliths surrounding a smooth 9-ft. granite pole.
Ribbon-cutters, including GAPP honorary chairperson Jackie O’Brien, and individuals representing the Anderson Park District, GAPP and the Anderson Board of Trustees snipped colorful streamers that ran from the pole to each of the six monoliths.
A Deed of Gift was presented to the Anderson Park District’s Board president, Duffy Beischel.A sixth-grade soloist from Maddux Elementary School performed the song, “One Wish” to close the ceremony.
Guests were invited to view the sculpture, enjoy refreshments and browse the park’s “A Fair of the Arts” art show.
Click here to learn how to contribute to the Peace Pole Project fund. Help us complete our fund raising!
Click here to view a list of project contributors.
Thanks to these past and present GAPP members for serving on the Peace Pole Committee or helping with the functions planned by the committee:
Keith Armstrong
Greg Baker
Judy Baker
Diana Becket
Nancy Brandt
Alan Brown
Christie Brown
Jan Briscoe
Kay Castle-Brinker
Donna Buckley
Cathy Curry
Kathy Filippi
Sam Gamble
Barbara Gardner
Arielle Goldberg
Sue Goldberg
Maggie Grotton
Mariko Hachiya
Barbarie Hill
Sharon Horn
Sue Keefe
Lori Krafte, Esq.
Louise Lawarre
Ann Madhavan
Diane Method
Mary-Jane Newborn
Jackie O’Brien
Judy O’Brien
Mary Annette Pember
Barry Riehle
Cathy Rodner
Kevin Roberts, Esq.
Barbara Snowden
Sheila Speth
Pat Tekulve
Paul Vanderbosch
Harry VonBusch
Solomon Wilcots
Jim Yunker
Rev. Henry Zorn
Dedication Ceremony
Donna Buckley, Christie Brown, Sue Goldberg, Louise Lawarre, Barry Riehle, Kathleen Riehle, Cathy Rodner and Sheila Speth
Peace Pole Selection Committee
- approved three peace pole finalists for public voting
Jan Brown Checco
Troy Euton
Nadine Gelter
Barry Riehle
Peter Schwenkmeyer
Thanks to Turpin High School Key Club for tallying public vote.
Thanks for help with community outreach:
Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce
Anderson Park District Staff
Anderson Park District Board of Park Commissioners
Anderson Township Trustees
Forest Hills School District
Happen, Inc.
Riehle Communications, LLC
