Encinitas Rotary Club dedicates new Peace Pole, celebrating local heritage and global unity

The Encinitas Rotary Club recently dedicated its new Peace Pole at the Heritage Ranch, home of the San Dieguito Heritage Museum, in a ceremony that honored the community’s cultural heritage while joining a global movement for peace. The event broughttogether civic leaders, including Encinitas Mayor Bruce Ehlers, cultural representatives, and Rotary members in a celebration of unity, history, and hope, according to a news release.

The Peace Pole Project, which began in Japan in 1955 by Masahisa Goi, a Japanese poet and philosopher inspired following the devastation of World War II, carries the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in thousands of locations worldwide. With over 250,000 poles across the globe, each inscribed in multiple languages, Peace Poles serve as a silent prayer for harmony among all people.

“As Rotarians, our mission is rooted in service and promoting peace,” said Mark Berning, president of the Encinitas Rotary Club, in a news release. “This Peace Pole embodies our commitment to fostering understanding and goodwill, starting right here in our community and extending across the globe.”

Ceremony highlightsThe program opened with a Land Acknowledgment by Nicholas Smith of the Kumeyaay Nation, recognizing the Kumeyaay people as the original stewards of the land. Immediate Past President Daphne Fletcher shared the inspiration behind the project, drawing from her dedication speech, the news release stated:

“Peace is not something we wait for others to create—it’s something we choose to build together, one act, one conversation, one kindness at a time. This pole is a promise—that we will keep choosing peace.”

The ceremony was emceed by Kerry Witkin, president of the San Dieguito Heritage Ranch Museum and also a past president of the Encinitas Rotary Club. The event also featured a proclamation read by Francine Busby, district representative for California State Senator Catherine Blakespear, acknowledging the local and global significance of the initiative.

Eight Languages, One MessageThe Encinitas Rotary Peace Pole bears the universal prayer “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in eight languages, each chosen to represent the region’s history and global ties:

• English – The primary language of the local area, represented by Daphne Fletcher, immediate past president of the Encinitas Rotary Club.

• Spanish – Recognizing the cultural and historical contributions of Spanish-speaking people; presented with remarks by Luis Carranza, 2025-2026 District Governor of Rotary District 5340 of San Diego and Imperial Counties.

• German – Honoring the German-speaking settlers of Colony Olivenhain in 1884; represented by Twink Bumann of the historic Bumann Ranch.

• Japanese – In tribute to Masahisa Goi, founder of the Peace Pole Project, and of the Japanese community’s role in Encinitas’ agriculture and flower industries; represented by Hisako Chrans.

• Hebrew & Arabic – Representing a prayer for peace among cultures historically in conflict, reflecting the club’s past involvement with the Hands of Peace program; presented by Rabbi George Wielechowski and Roger Bolus, another past president of the Encinitas Rotary Club.

• Kumeyaay & Luiseño – Honoring the indigenous peoples’ 12,000-year presence; presented by Nicholas Smith (Kumeyaay Nation) and Diania Caudell (Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians).

The dedication concluded with a Luiseño closing benediction from Diania Caudell, followed by a community barbecue—symbolizing fellowship and shared purpose.

“On this day, July 31, 2025, we dedicate the Encinitas Rotary Club Peace Pole to our local and global communities,” Berning said in his closing remarks, the news release stated. “May this pole stand as a constant reminder that despite past struggles, humanity possesses the power to come together, rebuild, and ultimately, prevail in peace.”

For more information on the  Encinitas Rotary Club, which is a local chapter of Rotary International,  visit www.EncinitasRotary.org.The Heritage Ranch, home to the San Dieguito Heritage Museum also located in Encinitas,  preserves the history of the San Dieguito region—including its indigenous roots, early settlers, and agricultural heritage—through exhibits, educational programs, and community events. Visit www.sdheritage.org.