Loan and Savings Bank dedicates 2nd Peace Pole, Saale-Orla region, GERMANY

May 8th, 2010

Helmuth Schmidt is Chairperson of the “Loan and Savings Bank” (“Kreissparkasse”) in the Saale-Orla region in Germany.
The bank’s central office in the town of Schleiz planted a Peace Pole crafted in 2008 by German artist, Thomas Lindner. The Peace Pole is made from oak wood and steel by Krupp, symbolizing Germany’s history. It was designed and constructed so that it can be illuminated at night.

The Peace Pole bears the message, May Peace Prevail On Earth, in Hebrew, Polish, German and French to honor Pössneck`s twin cities and the victims of the Jewish faith
during World War II.

On May 8th, 2010 the Kreissparkasse donated a second Peace Pole to the town of Pössneck. The date was chose to celebrate the end of World War II, on May 8th, 1945.

Many local politicians, to include 5 mayors of nearby towns attended to affirm to the philosophy of Mr. Schmidt: Social responsibility for the entire region.

State Secretary, Professor Dr. Herz, had words to share on behalf of Pössnecks Mayor Georg, Minister of Justice. Graven and Priest Jörg Reichmann were very pleased with the words of the peace message, May Peace Prevail On Earth, authored by philosopher Masahisa Goi. Bank Chair Helmuth Schmidt announced that there will be a third Peace Pole planted at his bank in 2011 in the town of Langenorla.

A local youth dance group performed during the ceremony. Local policemen and guest speakers received handmade Origami bookmarks inscribed with the message, May Peace Prevail on Earth written in German and Japanese.

The World Peace Prayer Society Munich office was pleased about Mr. Schmidt’s example of corporate responsibility in banking and expressed as much in a speech,
stating “the wish for more banks, worldwide, to follow his example.”

WPPS Munich, Germany