SCHENECTADY, NY – Schenectady Rotarians, officials and community members gathered in Downtown Schenectady Thursday evening to dedicate a ninth Peace Pole in the county.
The pole which is accessible from the parking lot ALLTOWN Fresh Market, 1410 Erie Boulevard is inscribed with the message “Let Peace Prevail on Earth” in eight languages. The message is adapted from the Japanese poet and philosopher Masahisa Goi, and the phrase urges community members to integrate this mantra into their lives. The message is written in English, American Sign Language, Dutch, Hebrew, Italian, Mandarin, Polish, and Mohawk, reflecting a smattering of Schenectady’s ethnic and cultural history. The Mohawk language was specifically included as a reminder that our community’s land once belonged to the Haudenosaunee (People of the Longhouse).
This newest Peace Pole is also located at the western end of the ALCO (American Locomotive Company) pedestrian tunnel which historically linked the industrial riverside part of Schenectady (now Mohawk Harbor) with the residential neighborhoods of Little Italy and Goose Hill where factory workers lived. The tunnel is being reimagined and renovated through a community-based art initiative and will open later this year as part of a comprehensive project to extend and improve the Jay Street corridor at the tunnel’s eastern terminus.
An invocation was offered by Schenectady Rotary member Reverend Dustin Wright, Pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church, Rotterdam, NY.
Schenectady Rotarian, Nick Clay, who first brought the idea of installing a Peace Pole to Schenectady Rotary Club, led those gathered in an interactive meditative exercise to set the mood for the Peace Pole Dedication experience during the dedication ceremony.
Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp. Executive Director Maureen Neufeld also provided comments on the significance of the Peace Pole in Downtown Schenectady.
“The Peace Pole is a simple yet powerful reminder of our shared hope for peace and unity,” Neufeld said. “Its message reflects the diversity of our community and the universal nature of that hope. This meaningful symbol takes its place at the site of the ALCO tunnel space that was opened to connect people physically and now serves as a cultural treasure that brings our community together in a new way. It’s a fitting home for a message of peace, connection and belonging in downtown Schenectady.”
Musician Terri Roben of Schenectady Neighbors for Peace led several musical interludes and sing-alongs during the dedication ceremony.
Brief Remarks were delivered by Mabel Leon, a community activist who co-organized Schenectady’s first Peace Pole in the Central Park Rose Garden in 1972 and Kay Olan, a First Nation Mohawk Storyteller.
Brianna Ptak-Mimura and Jessica Daniels Hughes offered remarks, thanked the attendees and participants, and invited them to join in a further celebration at Katie O’Byrne’s Irish Pub and Restaurant.
Attendees were also able to get a brief sneak peek at the mosaic walls inside the ALCO Tunnel, which will be open to the general public when construction is completed.
Funding for the Schenectady Rotary Peace Pole was provided through a matching grant from the Central New York Rotary and private funds.