HJB Elementary Dedicates Peace Pole, Fostering a Culture of Peace and Respect

Students at HJB Elementary School came together for a special occasion on Friday, October 18, 2024, as the school’s EarlyAct Club planted a Peace Pole on the grounds, symbolizing a commitment to global harmony. This meaningful project was made possible through a partnership with the Rotary Club of Front Royal, supported by Rotary District 7570, which has been instrumental in bringing peace projects like these to communities worldwide.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome, acknowledging the presence of Bret Hrbek, the current District Governor of Rotary District 7570. Hrbek spoke about the importance of promoting peace, not just globally but also within local communities. “We’re not in the business of bringing nations like Israel and Hamas or Ukraine and Russia to the table,” Hrbek said, “but we are in the business of creating peace in our own backyards, reminding people to treat each other with dignity and respect.”

The project started early, with Tim Mawyer, Jim Maddox, and Clint Pierpoint digging the hole. Concrete and finishing touches were added after hitting rocks and some more digging.

Here’s the group shot of the crew.

A Message for All

The Peace Pole planted at HJB is inscribed with the universal message, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” written in four languages commonly spoken at the school—English, Spanish, Urdu, and Dari. This inclusion reflects the diverse backgrounds of the student body and aims to foster a sense of unity among them. The project is part of the larger Peace Pole initiative, an official project of May Peace Prevail on Earth International, which began in Japan in 1955 following the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Since its inception, the Peace Pole Project has spread across the globe. Today, more than 240,000 Peace Poles have been installed in various countries, promoting messages of peace and hope. The Peace Pole at HJB joins others on a global map of peace poles, a visual representation of the school’s contribution to this international movement.

Left to right: Lori Cockrell (Co-Advisor), Cece Brownawell, Bee Sherrill-Jaffe, Daniel Jackson, Alexander Montesflores-Aguanta, Amy Mawyer (Co-Advisor).

“We hope this message awakens a desire for inner and outer peace,” said Amy Mawyer, EarlyAct Club Co-Advisor. “It’s an honor for HJB to be part of this movement.”

The Role of Rotary and EarlyAct

Rotary International, a service organization that fosters goodwill and peace, operates globally with initiatives to improve communities and has brought peace projects like the Peace Pole to local schools. The Early Act Club, aimed at elementary students, mirrors these values by encouraging young people to engage in community service and learn the importance of helping others.

Hrbek took the opportunity to explain the club’s mission during the event. “Rotary’s motto is ‘Service Above Self,’ and through clubs like EarlyAct, we’re able to teach that from a young age,” he said. “These students aren’t just learning about peace; they’re learning about what it means to be part of a community, to work together, and to be leaders who make a difference.”

The EarlyAct Club at HJB is one of several in the area, with students involved in various community service projects, including food drives and school improvement initiatives. “It’s really about teaching our younger children that we live in a community bigger than ourselves,” Hrbek added. “These students are learning that every action they take can contribute to a greater good.”

A Reminder of Peace

As the ceremony drew to a close, students were invited to take part in the planting by adding handfuls of dirt to the base of the pole, symbolically leaving their mark on this project of peace. “This Peace Pole will stand here as long as the concrete holds,” Hrbek joked, adding a lighthearted moment to the otherwise solemn event.

The Peace Pole’s presence at HJB will serve as a constant reminder to students, teachers, and visitors alike. Hrbek emphasized the pole’s symbolic role in everyday life. “No matter what someone is feeling—whether they’re upset, happy, or anything in between—this Peace Pole can remind them to take a step back and remember that everyone deserves respect and dignity.”

For the students involved, the Peace Pole is more than just a physical structure; it represents their commitment to creating a more peaceful school environment and a more peaceful world. With HJB now marked on the global Peace Pole map, students and staff can take pride in knowing that their school has made a lasting contribution to an international symbol of peace.

Rotary’s Four-Way Test

Hrbek concluded the event by highlighting one of Rotary’s core principles, the Four-Way Test. This test is a set of guiding questions Rotarians use daily to ensure that their actions are rooted in truth, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit. The EarlyAct Club members who recite this test at their meetings are learning to incorporate these values into their daily interactions.

By fostering these principles, Rotary and the EarlyAct Clubs hope to cultivate the next generation of service-minded leaders committed to making the world a better place.

A Future of Peace and Service

With the successful planting of the Peace Pole, the students of HJB Elementary School have taken an important step in promoting peace within their school and beyond. As they continue to learn and grow, they will carry with them the values of Rotary and the lessons learned from this experience.

Hrbek ended the ceremony with gratitude for the students, teachers, and community members who made the project possible. “Thank you all for your efforts today and for making this Peace Pole a reality,” he said. “May it serve as a reminder for all of us to live with peace and respect in our hearts.”