The Rotary Club of McLaren Vale will unveil a peace pole in Ellis Park on Wednesday 21 September.

Peace poles are planted in public places, such as parks, schools and libraries, with the universal peace message – may peace prevail on earth.

The poles symbolise a common wish for a world at peace, standing as a silent vigil and reminder to think and act in the spirit of peace.

McLaren Vale’s peace pole is octagonal and has the phrase May Peace Prevail on Earth in 16 languages with accompanying national flags, including the local first language, Kaurna. 

The peace pole program began in the 1950s and there are now peace poles in nearly 200 countries, with more than 200,000 been placed around the world. 

They have been placed in such locations as the north magnetic pole, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the site of the Egyptian pyramids in Giza, and the Aiki Shrine in Japan.

The program is just one of many Rotary activities promoting world peace dating back to its involvement in establishing the United Nations.

The unveiling will take place in the Main Street park from 10am to 11am, conducted by Councillor Simon McMahon, Acting Mayor of the City of Onkaparinga.

The council approved installation of the peace pole following community consultation held in May.