New Peace Pole Dedicated in Downtown Yakima, Washington, USA.

Apr 16, 2026

Compared to the acrimony, strife and violence that dominate headlines around the world, the message on a sculpture unveiled Wednesday in downtown Yakima might seem rather quiet.

Don’t be fooled, several artists and Rotary Club members said as a Peace Pole covered with words and images conveying a simple but powerful message — “May Peace Prevail On Earth” — was installed underneath the covered entrance to the Rotary Marketplace in downtown Yakima.

Community members get a closer look at the Peace Pole after its dedication ceremony on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Rotary Marketplace Pavilion in Yakima, Washington.

“I hope every time someone passes this Peace Pole, they realize peace is not passive — it’s active, it’s actual, and most importantly, it’s possible,” said Martin Streich, Rotary District 5060 District governor designate elect and a member of the Rotary Club of Yakima Southwest.

To see Part 1 of this Beautiful Story, please CLICK HERE.

Submitted by: Joel Donofrio Hakim and Evan Abell Herald-Republic