Santa Maria Noon Rotary had the opportunity Saturday for reflection and a dedication to peace in the garden at Rotary Centennial Park.
Pastor Jeff Nellermoe, of Bethel Lutheran Church, blessed the two new rose bushes we planted, and Peace Committee members Virginia Souza, Laura Mohajer, Mayor Alice Patino and member John Henning spoke about the significance of the roses, named for Pope John Paul II, the importance of peace in Ukraine, and the Rotary mission to promote peace throughout the world.
In September 2024, in celebration of International Day of Peace, our club's Peace Committee planted the first three rose bushes in the garden.
The act honored the three Santa Maria Rotary clubs and symbolized their collective commitment to peace.
The garden's Peace Pole and plaque were ordered by member Fred Donati and placed in 2022, to commemorate our club's centennial year.
International Day of Peace reminds us that promoting peace is a daily endeavor. We were proud to recognize that effort Saturday.
