Peace Pole installation at Howard County Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Columbia, Maryland-USA
June 10th, 2025
Yesterday, June 10th at 12:30 pm, the Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent had our Peace Pole installation at the Heroes Grove at Howard County Johns Hopkins Medical Center. Click here for Location.
The installation was attended by County Executive Calvin Ball. CEO of the Howard County EDA, Jennifer Jones, Kirsten Baier VP of Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Foundation, Karen Mosel, President of the Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent and many club members.
The motivation to plant a peace pole in Maryland was seeing the project in the Rotary International Magazine last year. After learning about the project and looking at the map, there were no peace poles in Maryland. As Columbia, Maryland is a wonderful example of a planned community of diversity and inclusion, reflecting founder James Rouse’s vision for an “open city”. The community aims to be attractive to residents of all ages, races, ethnicities, religions, and economic backgrounds.
“What does peace mean to us? Peace is more than just the absence of conflict. It is a state of harmony — within ourselves, within our communities, and with the world around us. Peace means respect, understanding, and compassion. It means working together to overcome differences, to build bridges rather than walls, and to create a future where everyone can thrive safely and with dignity.
This Peace Pole stands here not only as a physical marker but as a beacon of hope for Howard County. It represents our commitment to these ideals — a daily reminder that peace begins with each of us. When we pass by this pole, may we be inspired to foster kindness, to engage in respectful dialogue, and to act with empathy in our everyday lives.
Let this Peace Pole remind us all to work tirelessly toward a more peaceful, just, and inclusive society — right here at home in Howard County and beyond.” Karen Mosel, AIA
Warm regards,
Karen Mosel
President of the Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent