Thursday, October 1, 2026
A new symbol of peace now stands outside the Freeport Memorial Library after the Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club dedicated a peace pole Saturday morning. The pole reflects the Rotary’s mission to advance goodwill, understanding and peace.
The dedication ceremony attracted Rotary members, library officials, community leaders and residents, including Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé, Rotary District Governor Elect Pamela Greene, outgoing Freeport-Merrick Rotary President Comfort Itoka and members of the Salvation Army. Attendees gathered for the ceremony, which celebrated both the installation and the values the pole represents.
Inscribed with the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages, the pole stands as a visible reminder that peace is both a gift and a responsibility. Peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but it is a foundation for human dignity, hope, progress and community.
Itoka said the message carries deep personal significance.
“I came to this country and lost everything, therefore, the word peace means so much to me,” Itoka said. “For those of us who have experienced conflict, we yearn for peace because we don’t want those things to repeat because it brings human suffering.”
During the ceremony, Greene explained that peace extends beyond the absence of war or conflict. She said Rotary members promote peace through service, by organizing food or coat drives, supporting veterans in need or helping students pursue higher education through scholarships.
“When people were hungry during the pandemic and this club held food drives, that provided peace to those people,” Greene said. “When a veteran comes back and is homeless, and this club helps provide for their needs, that’s providing peace as well.”
Greene gave praise to the club for their commitment to helping others, referring to members as “ambassadors of peace.”
“Each of us has something meaningful to give, whether it’s our time, our voice or once compassion,” Greene said. “Change begins the moment we show up and offer what we can.”
The Peace Pole was installed through a partnership between the Rotary Club and the Freeport Memorial Library. Library Director LeeAnn Moltzen said the library was a fitting location because it welcomes everyone.
“It makes sense because this is a place where we serve everyone,” Moltzen said. “It is a symbol of unity, peace and harmony in the community. This is a place that serves everyone, regardless of your race, religion or political views.”
She hopes visitors will see the pole as a reminder “to focus on unity and peace and the things that unite us rather than the things that divide us.”
Although this is the Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club’s first peace pole, Itoka said she hopes it will inspire similar poles throughout Freeport and Merrick, continuing the Rotary’s mission of service in the community.
