Rededication Peace Pole Ceremony – Jim Dugan gives the IDP Keynote Address at CT Valley Hospital, Middletown, Connecticut – USA
September 23rd, 2014
In 2012 Jim Dugan and Ann Marie Robustelli from The World Peace Prayer Society facilitated a World Peace Flag Ceremony at the Connecticut Valley Hospital in honor of the International Day of Peace.
On September 23rd, 2014, Jim Dugan was invited as a keynote speaker for the two International Day of Peace (IDP) events and rededication Peace Pole Ceremony at the Connecticut Valley Hospital.
Photo: Tracy Starbird
The Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown, Connecticut, is a public hospital operated by the state of Connecticut to treat people with mental illness. It is formerly known as the “Connecticut General Hospital for the Insane.” Today the hospital works to treat patients respectfully and with care and that was evident at their IDP events this year. The first event was held in the maximum security wing and the second event was held in the Yerbury Chapel. The day ended with the rededication of the Hospital’s Peace Pole located outside the beautiful Chapel. Hung on the exteriors of buildings all around the large Hospital campus were banners with the message, “May Peace Prevail at CT Valley Hospital.” Jim was accompanied by his wife Jackie.
In Jim’s addresses he spoke about the meaning of the International Day of Peace in all of our lives and about this year’s theme of “The Right of People to Peace.” It was a perfect topic to share with the patients and staff in this setting with consideration to all their challenges in life, in addition to all that is happening across the planet. Prior to Jim’s keynote address several religious leaders and hospital staff addressed the audiences, which included Israel Martinez, Director of Multicultural Affairs for the Hospital, CT Valley Hospital Chief Executive Officer Helene Vartelas, Abdelgahoni Battell Hall. The events were opened with bagpipes and a choir lead everyone in several moving peace related songs.
Photo: Tracy Starbird
The Peace Pole at CT Valley Hospital bears the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” translated in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Polish, Spanish and Swahili.
The World Peace Prayer Society