Rotary Club of Murphy Peace Pole Dedication

A spirit of unity and hope filled the air as the Rotary Club of Murphy gathered for a special ceremony dedicating a Peace Pole at the River Walk near the L&N Depot — a lasting symbol of Rotary’s global message: “May Peace Prevail on Earth.”

Held outdoors in the open air with flowers lovingly planted around the base of the pole, the event featured messages in four languages — Cherokee, Spanish, Irish Gaelic, and English — honoring the diverse voices that make up the fabric of Murphy and its surrounding communities.

“We wanted this Peace Pole to be more than just a monument,” said Jacky Egli, President of the Rotary Club of Murphy. "It’s a living symbol of what we believe in — that peace begins with understanding, and understanding begins with community. Today was a beautiful reminder of that.”

Highlights of the dedication included:A Cherokee prayer offered by Gina Myers, Manager for Snowbird and Cherokee County Language and CultureA Spanish blessing shared by Rotarian Carmen Padin GomezA Gaelic Irish poem read by President-Elect Kadee CloseAn English message delivered by Murphy Mayor Tim Radford, who also serves as Rotary Assistant District Governor

Mayor Radford reflected on the occasion, saying, “Murphy is a town that values connection, heritage, and peace. It’s an honor to be part of a Rotary Club that doesn’t just talk about service, but plants it — literally — in the ground for all to see and share in.”

The club was joined by special guests, including Rotary District Governor Nominee Paige Scott, Victoria Ivie of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, Laura LaChance, Director of Downtown Development, and Mary Jo Dyre of Steven Aft Insurance, among many other community supporters.

A heartfelt thanks to Greg and Ginger Rosenberger for preparing the Peace Pole site and for planting the vibrant flowers that now frame the base — their thoughtful touch added beauty and meaning to the project.

Following the ceremony, many attendees gathered for lunch at Mariolino’s, continuing the fellowship and celebration.

“This project has been close to our hearts,” Egli added. “We hope the people of Murphy enjoy it and that it sparks moments of peace and reflection for years to come.”

The Rotary Club of Murphy invites anyone interested in service and community to join them for weekly meetings, held Mondays at noon at Mariolino’s.