Since its founding in 1988, the San Dieguito Heritage Museum has been a grateful beneficiary of the selfless involvement of local Rotarians. From community projects to events that bring people together, their contributions have helped us preserve and celebrate our local history.

A Celebration of Peace at the Heritage Ranch

On Thursday, July 31, the Encinitas Rotary Club unveiled an 8-foot, four-sided Peace Pole on the campus of the San Dieguito Heritage Museum, also known as the Heritage Ranch. The dedication took place during a Rotary barbeque and community social that welcomed neighbors, supporters, and friends of the Museum.

As part of the ceremony, local representatives of each selected language took turns reading the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in their mother tongue, creating a moving and unifying moment for all in attendance.

What is a Peace Pole?

A Peace Pole is a monument that carries the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages. This universal statement, called an affirmation of peace, is meant to inspire harmony and unity among all who encounter it. Peace Poles are planted in communities all over the world, with each one reflecting the cultures and languages most meaningful to the place where it stands.

The Heritage Ranch Peace Pole features engravings in English, Spanish, German, Japanese, Hebrew, Arabic, Kumeyaay, and Luiseño—languages chosen to reflect both the diversity of our community and the roots of our region.

Today, there are estimated to be over 250,000 Peace Poles in 180 countries worldwide, each standing as a beacon for Rotary’s goal of promoting a culture of peace.

For more background on the history and meaning of Peace Poles as well as why each language was chosen, we invite you to listen to the attached recording.