Peace Pole – Near Yosemite National Park – California – USA

May 13, 2013

I was out for a morning run in and around the Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite. While running alone on the trails I starting thinking about bears and mountain lions and decided to continue my run on the road instead. Adjusting to the altitude I started walking back to the Lodge. In doing so, I was caught off guard by a marker I saw in the grass. As I got closer and realized what it said, I actually gasped at the simple beauty of the marker and the “May Peace Prevail on Earth” statement (now I know it is called a Peace Pole). I circled the marker several times and wondered about who put it there, the reason behind it, why those languages where chosen, and how surprised I was at the visceral reaction I had to it. A sense of deep peace and bewilderment overcame me. I had the urge and need to say a prayer and mediate at that spot. I prayed for others, I prayed for understanding, I prayed for those who suffer, I prayed for peace. My meditation session brought about many emotions, specifically tears for those who must have had to suffer in order for this Peace Pole to be erected. I took a photo of the Peace Pole hoping that someday soon I will find out more about it.

I posted the photo on Facebook and quickly received a response from a friend who told me about the organization and who provided me with your contact name and email address.

Looking at this photo provides me with a great sense of serenity. I am grateful for the experience and know there is a bigger and greater reason why I “ran’ into the Peace Pole that day and I feel certain that the answer will be forthcoming soon.

Thank you and the organization for providing me with this experience. I truly believe that all things happen for a reason and I was drawn to the pole that day – not by happenstance, but by circumstance.

Sue Edwards

If you happen upon a Peace Pole during one of your journey’s or runs – be sure to send your Peace Pole stories and photos to annmarie@worldpeace.org and/or feel free to share them on our May Peace Prevail On Earth page on Facebook.