The Garberville Rotary Club, in collaboration with the Garberville Town Square Board, is honored to announce the installation of a Peace Pole in the center of Garberville Town Square. The unveiling took place on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, coinciding with the United Nations International Day of Peace.
The dedication ceremony included live music by The Cronies and remarks from several community leaders and representatives
Peace Poles are internationally recognized monuments that bear the inscription “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages. Since the first pole was planted in Japan in 1955, more than 200,000 Peace Poles have been installed in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. Each serves as a silent yet powerful reminder that peace is possible — and that communities everywhere share in the responsibility of fostering understanding, empathy, and respect.
“A primary vision of founding and developing the Garberville Town Square has been to promote peace by having a shared community space,” said Robie Tenorio. “Nothing aids the peacefulness of a diverse and opinionated community more than a lovely, calm place open to all, where residents and visitors can gather, relax, party, and discuss. The Peace Pole is a symbol of such coming together both local and international. You are always welcome here to meet your neighbors and exchange food and ideas.”
Rotary’s Commitment to Peace
For Rotary International, peace is not just an abstract idea — it is one of the organization’s seven Areas of Focus and a guiding principle for action. Clubs around the world sponsor Peace Pole projects as living monuments to peace and fellowship.
“Every peace pole planted is a beacon of Rotary’s enduring belief: that peace is not just a dream, but a shared effort,” said Darrin Guerra, President of Garberville Rotary Club. “It reminds us that even small symbols can inspire great change when rooted in service, empathy, and global fellowship. By planting these markers of hope, Rotary advances its mission of service above self, promoting peace, cultural awareness, and global collaboration.”
The Garberville Rotary Club has been actively involved in service projects across Southern Humboldt, from supporting local youth programs to enhancing public spaces. The installation of this Peace Pole reflects both Rotary’s global mission and the club’s local commitment to fostering a stronger, more connected community.
This article appears in My Humboldt Life December 2025.