Pole unveiled at Drouin is a "wish for world peace"

A Peace Pole has been unveiled in Drouin's Civic Park, continuing a worldwide movement spreading the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth".
The project to install poles across the world was started in 1955 by visionary Masahisa Goi who was depressed by the destruction and more that 200,000 deaths caused by the bombing of Japan in World War II.
Rotary International has adopted the theme "to create hope in the world" for 2023-2024 and Drouin Rotary Club chose to install a Peace Pole in a prominent location in the town.
It is by no means unique; it's one of more than 250,000 around the world and number 327 in Australia.
Prior to the recent unveiling by Drouin Rotary's longest serving member Keith Pretty, club president Pauline Maunder introduced nine students from Drouin and St Ita's primary schools who read passages from a peace message written by a Chinese philosopher more than 2500 years ago.
The six-sided pole features the "May Peace Prevail on Earth" message in 10 languages - English, Kurnai, Mandarin, German, Dutch, Italian, Afrikaans, French, Japanese and Braille.
Master of ceremonies Russell Ford said the peace message was especially important in today's circumstances and to rid the world of discrimination and racism.
The pole is located at the eastern end of Civic Park, Drouin near the children's playground and picnic area.