In mid-October, the Rotary Club of Henry County, Girl Scouts, Veterans and Master Gardeners gathered beneath the branches of a majestic 300-year-old oak tree to dedicate Serenity Garden and Peace Pole at historic Heritage Park in McDonough - the culmination of a three-year collaborative project led by the Rotary Club. Located behind the historic Nolan House at Heritage Park in McDonough, the garden offers a peaceful setting for reflection and a lasting reminder of the message engraved on the Peace Pole: May Peace Prevail On Earth.

Rotary Club President Mike Griffin shared the moving story of Sadako Sasaki, a young Japanese girl who survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima but later died from radiation-related illness. Her story and the paper cranes she folded in hope of recovery became an international symbol of peace. Griffin also shared the origins of the Peace Pole movement and the inspiration behind its universal prayer.

Debbie Donaldson, Rotary Service Projects Chair, continued the story by describing how the worldwide movement became a local project three years ago, when Rotary Past President Rick Perry discovered Peace Poles and envisioned bringing one to Henry County.

Donaldson explained that the four languages displayed on Henry County’s Peace Pole—English, French, Vietnamese and Spanish—were chosen to reflect languages spoken throughout the community, making the message of peace meaningful to the diverse families who call Henry County home.

The custom Peace Pole was created by artist Michele LaMachio of Air Artsy Accessories, whose artistry helped transform the universal message of peace into a distinctive symbol for Henry County.

The ceremony included a blessing offered by Major Albert Grier, U.S. Army (Retired), and the Pledge of Allegiance led by David Martin, a U.S. Air Force Veteran and retired peace officer. Both men volunteer at the Jim Joyce Veterans Museum at Heritage Park.

Stargazers Girl Scout Service Unit Co-Directors Rick Perry and Kamal Ricketts spoke about the importance of nurturing peace and kindness in the next generation. Perry explained that the girls had gathered to stand in unity with girls around the world in support of peace. Ricketts also paid tribute to Dolly Parton, celebrating her connection to Girl Scouting and Rotary and her example of generosity, education and kindness—values shared by both organizations. Girl Scout Kensington Perry led the girls in the Girl Scout Promise, adding a special moment of youthful leadership to the ceremony.

Henry County Master Gardener Ann Marie Ellis introduced attendees to the native plants growing in Serenity Garden and explained the snapdragons the girls would soon plant. Following the dedication, Master Gardeners guided the Girl Scouts as they planted snapdragons around the Peace Pole, adding new life and color to the garden. Each girl took home a snapdragon of her own, along with a copy of the Peace Pole story and an invitation to write the next chapter.

For Donaldson, the morning offered an unexpected moment of reflection. “As I was sharing the story of how this journey toward peace began decades ago, I looked up and saw the sunlight shining through the enormous branches of the 300-year-old oak tree overlooking our garden,” Donaldson recalled. “I felt so blessed to be part of this story. And then I wondered whether that old oak might have been smiling, knowing that perhaps our story really began 300 years ago, when it was just a seedling.”

What began as one Rotarian’s inspiration has grown into a living symbol of peace, a place where visitors can reflect, children can learn, and future generations can continue the story.

Community Partners

Jim Joyce Veterans Museum

Located at Heritage Park in McDonough, the Jim Joyce Veterans Museum preserves and shares the stories, sacrifices and service of America’s military Veterans. Through historical artifacts, exhibits and the dedication of Veteran volunteers, the museum helps visitors understand the importance of service, remembrance and honoring those who have defended our nation. Its participation in the dedication brought a meaningful connection between generations who have experienced the cost of conflict and young people who represent the hope for a more peaceful future.

Stargazers Girl Scout Service Unit

The Stargazers Girl Scout Service Unit is part of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, helping young girls develop courage, confidence, character and leadership through experiences rooted in service and community involvement. Under the leadership of Co-Service Unit Directors Rick Perry and Kamal Ricketts, the girls’ participation in the dedication offered a living example of how the values of kindness, respect and peace can be passed from one generation to the next. Their snapdragon planting symbolized both the growth of the Serenity Garden and their own opportunity to carry its message into the future.

Henry County Master Gardeners

The Henry County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers, working in partnership with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, share horticultural knowledge and promote environmental stewardship through education, gardening and community service. Their ongoing work at the historic Nolan House Gardens provides residents and visitors opportunities to experience the beauty and value of plants and nature. Through their care of Serenity Garden and their guidance of the Girl Scouts during the dedication, the Master Gardeners helped create a lasting place where nature, education and community come together.

The garden will continue to grow, the seasons will change, and new generations will gather beneath the old oak tree. Each visitor will have an opportunity to reflect on the message that brought the community together: May Peace Prevail On Earth.