East Providence/Seekonk Rotary Club Holds Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony

East Providence, R.I. (May 31, 2024): The East Providence/Seekonk Rotary Club held a ceremony on Thursday, May 30th at Crescent Park to dedicate the Club’s first Peace Pole in the East Bay region. The Peace Pole is an internationally recognized symbol representing the hopes and dreams of people worldwide, featuring the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in several languages that are spoken in East Providence.

East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva addressed the crowd and assisted in unveiling the Peace Pole alongside Club Co-President Lori DiPersio and Assistant Governor Betty Galligan. In addition to the unveiling, Mya Dwumah, the top winner of the Club’s essay contest held last year and a Providence Country Day junior, read her winning essay aloud. The contest invited local high school students to envision a world at peace, and Mya’s heartfelt words resonated deeply with the attendees.

President-Elect David Kent introduced Megane Leopold, Hannah Gould and Tatiana Chobanian of the East Providence High School Chorus who performed the song “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” inspiring all present with their harmonious a capella rendition. Jared Cowgur, lead pastor from BridgePointe Christian Church in East Providence, gave a non-denominational blessing of the pole, highlighting the universal desire for peace.

The event concluded with the release of several white doves into the sky, symbolizing the Club’s commitment to fostering peace and harmony.