Peace Pole erected in Pearl Lake

Holy Cross School Brownie Troop #773 and Junior Girl Scout Troop #211 held a very special meeting on Thursday, Oct. 11. During this meeting, the girls were educated on the meaning and significance of a Peace Pole which is now permanently in place in front of the school. Next to the Peace Pole is a Peace Tree, which was recently purchased and planted there as a memorial for all the victims of the Sept. 11 tragedy.

The troops were fortunate enough to have Jean Matua come to this meeting and talk with the Girl Scouts. She read the Peace Pole’s inscription “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in all four languages. The pole has four sides, and on each side this inscription is written in a different language. The girls were very interested in learning about each new language, and Jean taught the girls some words in some different languages. Thank you very much, Jean, for all your time and talent!!

On Saturday, Oct. 13, after the 5 p.m. Mass in Pearl Lake, the Girl Scout troops held a dedication ceremony. At this ceremony, Msgr. Taufen was there to bless the Peace Tree and Peace Pole, and lead us all in a prayer for peace. The Girl Scouts each made a Peace Wish which they shared with the public who were invited to this ceremony. We had a candle-lighting ceremony, and ended the ceremony with songs for Peace.

Each of the Girl Scouts had made luminaries with their message of peace, and these were left lit throughout the evening.

Thanks to all who made this ceremony so special. A special thanks to Jean Matua, and to Joe and Cheryl Garding family for their help in planting the tree and Peace Pole.