A Symbol of Hope, A Commitment to Peace: The Rotary Club of Meriwether County Peace Pole Dedication

On September 15, 2026, the Rotary Club of Meriwether County proudly installed a Peace Pole at The Huddle in Manchester, Georgia, creating a lasting symbol of hope, unity, and our shared commitment to building a more peaceful community.

A Peace Pole is more than a monument. It is a visible reminder of a simple yet powerful message: May Peace Prevail on Earth. It calls on each of us to reflect on the kind of community we want to create and the shared responsibility we have to make that vision a reality.

Our community has experienced the heartbreak of gun violence, leaving painful reminders of how deeply violence affects our young people, families, and neighbors. Behind every tragedy are lives changed, families grieving, and a community searching for healing. These experiences remind us that we cannot take peace for granted. We must nurture, protect, and practice it through the choices we make every day.

We believe every child deserves to grow up feeling safe, valued, supported, and hopeful about the future.

That belief is why we chose The Huddle as the home for this meaningful project. Founded by Robbie and Angie Shirah, The Huddle represents an investment in our young people and our community's future. It is a place where relationships matter, encouragement makes a difference, and young people can discover their potential. Placing the Peace Pole at The Huddle reinforces the importance of surrounding our youth with positive influences, caring adults, and opportunities to build a brighter future.

The Rotary Club of Meriwether County extends its heartfelt gratitude to Robbie and Angie Shirah for welcoming this project and helping us share this important message with Manchester and the surrounding community. Their commitment to young people reflects the very spirit of service, compassion, and hope that this Peace Pole represents.

Peace begins with each of us.

It begins when we choose kindness over cruelty, understanding over judgment, and compassion over anger. It grows when we listen to one another, resolve disagreements respectfully, stand against violence, and reach out to those who may be struggling. Most importantly, peace grows stronger when we teach our children that every life has value and that each person can make a positive difference.

We hope that every young person, family, and visitor who sees this Peace Pole will pause for a moment and consider what peace means in their own lives. May it remind us that, even when our community faces difficult challenges, we can choose a different path—one rooted in respect, understanding, connection, and hope.

The Rotary Club of Meriwether County invites everyone to visit The Huddle, reflect on the Peace Pole's message, and consider how each of us can contribute to a safer, stronger, and more peaceful Manchester.

Building peace is not one organization's or one individual's responsibility. It is a commitment we must share—as neighbors, parents, educators, community leaders, and friends.

Together, let us create a community where our children can dream without fear, families can live with hope, and kindness is stronger than violence.

May this Peace Pole stand for generations as a reminder of what is possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose.

Together, we can make peace more than a message. We can make it a way of life.

May Peace Prevail on Earth.