“May Peace Prevail On Earth” in Milton, Pennsylvania, USA
September 22, 2025
MILTON — Bearing the words “May Peace Prevail On Earth,” Peace Pole stand in prominent locations in more than 200,000 communities across the globe. Thanks to the Milton Rotary Club, one Peace Pole stands prominently within the borough.
The Milton club on Monday held a dedication ceremony for the Peace Pole, which is situated in Rotary Park, at the corner of South Front and Mahoning streets.
Dr. Bernadette Boerckel, club president, said members of the Milton club attended a conference and learned Rotary International is encouraging clubs to facilitate the installation of Peace Poles in the communities where they are located.
According to Boerckel, WoodmenLife covered the costs associated with bringing the Peace Pole to Milton.
Monday’s ceremony included remarks by Medley, as well as: The Rev. Dr. Steve Shirk, retired pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Milton; and Susan Jordan, director of the Susquehanna Valley Mediation Center.
Dawn Linn, Rotary District 7360 governor, led those in attendance in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and Rotary’s 4-Way Test. Shirk also led the singing of two songs, “America the Beautiful” and “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”
During his remarks, Medley said the first Peace Pole was erected in 1955 in Japan. Since then, more than 200,000 Peace Poles have been placed around the world. Each Peace Pole contains the words “May Peace Prevail On Earth.”
The Milton Peace Pole features those words written in eight different languages — English, Frensh, Spanish, Italian, Swahili, Japanese, Russian and Ukrainian. It also has a braille plate with the wording.
“Rotary clubs around the world have placed Peace Poles,” Medley said. “
“The Peace Pole that we have today… those words are not connected with any particular religion,” he added. “That’s what gives it power.”
Jordan said it’s appropriate the Peace Pole has been placed at a busy intersection, which traffic constantly passes by.
Boerckel expressed her enthusiasm for the Peace Pole throughout the dedication.
“Together, we will be a peaceful community and a loving community,” she said.