SM Rotary Club Plants Peace Pole in Price Center Garden

Members of the San Marcos Rotary Club joined friends of the Price Center early Wednesday morning to officially unveil a new Peace Pole in the Center’s front Garden. The Pole is one of over 200,000 located throughout the world dedicated to world peace since the first one was planted in Ishikawa, Japan. Following brief remarks from Club member Peter Baen and a poem recited by one of the guests, the Pole was unveiled to a thunderous round of applause by all in attendance.

This new Peace Pole features messages of peace in three different languages: English, Spanish, and Coahuiltecan (the native langue of the original inhabitants of San Marcos area dating more than 13,000 years). The fourth side of the pole displays the English translation of the Coahuiltecan inscription.

“We’re thrilled to be the recipient and keep

of this beautiful gift to our community,’ said Clay DeStefano, executive director. “Our relationship with the Rotary Club stretches back over more than two decades, and this new installation unites yet again,” he added.

The Rotary chose the July 16^th unveiling date to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bomb test at the Trinity site in New Mexico. They chose the Center’s Garden because of its peaceful setting and high visibility, as well as the Center’s mission to expand hearts, minds, and lifespans daily.

The Club met weekly at the Center for many years, during which they generously donated items to enhance the facility, including furniture and equipment. They currently meet every Wednesday at noon at the VFW Hall in San Marcos. Guests and new members are always welcome.

The Price Center is 501 (c) 3 non-profit community arts, cultural, and event center. For more information, please call 512-392-2900, stop by the Center at 222 W. San Antonio St. or visit price-center.org or Facebook @ Price Center & Garden or @smtxpricecenter on Instagram.    

Pictured above: Rotarian Peter Baen addresses the crowd before the unveiling of the new Peace Pole.

At left: Two of the 4 sides of the Pole featuring English and Spanish messages of world peace.   

Below: the other two sides feature a Coahuiltecan message and its English translation.