Monroeville celebrates International Day of Peace

Monroeville and neighboring communities united to participate in the International Day of Peace Celebration on Sept. 23.

The ceremony occurred at the Monroeville Rotary Club’s dedicated Peace Pole and Pavilion 4 in Community Park West.

In 2021, the club dedicated a peace pole with “Let Peace Prevail” translated into 38 languages. A peace garden surrounds the pole in the park.

“Peace starts with each of us as individuals and then spreads out into the larger community,” Rotarian Susan Delaney said.

Rotary International has seven focus areas, promoting peace and conflict resolution as its top initiative. For this special program promoting worldwide and community peace, all the schools in Gateway School District and nearby areas were notified and encouraged to engage in activities advocating for world peace that begins at home in the local community.

Among the Day of Peace speakers were Monroeville Mayor Nick Gresock; state Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Monroeville; members of Gateway High School’s Black Student Union members; and local clergy.

“The municipality really appreciates what the Rotary does for the community. Peace is something we should always try to strive for,” Gresock said. “It all comes to being a good neighbor and promoting peace in that manner.

Gateway graduate Anthony Mitchell performed a traditional African song on his drum.

To close out the peace pole portion of the ceremony, the crowd sang “Let There Be Peace on Earth” as doves, symbols of peace dating back to the Book of Genesis, were released. The community then participated in a peace walk to Pavilion 4, where food trucks and activities were stationed.