Ames Community Celebrates Peace Through Peace Poles, Iowa, USA.

June 10, 2026

For several years, a small group of us worked to plant a Peace Pole somewhere in Ames. Over a four-year period, we were able to place Peace Poles at a number of locations throughout our community.

Today, two of those Peace Poles remain. One is located at Wheatsfield Cooperative, a longtime community-owned grocery co-op that has been part of Ames for many years. It sits on a busy street and is seen by countless people every day. Another Peace Pole is located at the Ames City Council Chambers on the second floor of Ames City Hall. I like knowing that the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth” is present in a place where community decisions are made, and people come together to serve the public.

Unfortunately, the other two Peace Poles are no longer available to photograph. One was located on a century farm that has since been sold, and another was installed at our public library. After a change in leadership, the library’s Peace Pole was placed into storage.

Our Peace Pole project grew out of our participation in the 11 Days of Global Unity, which culminates each year on the International Day of Peace. For five years, we organized a variety of activities during those eleven days, and planting Peace Poles became one of our favorite traditions. We missed one year when an organization that had agreed to host a Peace Pole changed its mind at the last minute, but otherwise we were able to continue sharing the message of peace throughout our community.

While some of the original Peace Poles are no longer visible, I like to think their message still lives on. Each one represented a commitment to peace, understanding, and community. I am grateful that the Peace Poles that remain continue to quietly share their message with everyone who passes by:

May Peace Prevail On Earth.

Submitted by Cheryl Binzen