OTTUMWA, IOWA -- There are more than 200,000 peace poles around the world, and more than 97 right here in Iowa. The United Way of Wapello County is working on bringing one here to Ottumwa.
They're meeting with the Ottumwa Parks Advisory Board on Sept. 13 to decide the permanent location of a peace pole within the Ottumwa Central Park.
A temporary pole was presented on Sept. 11 to coincide with the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
The permanent pole is on back order and according to United Way of Wapello County Executive Director, is scheduled to arrive between October and November.
"We're having a permanent one made. It's going to be made of aluminum and it will be installed permanently here in Central Park so that people can have a place to come and reflect and remember those that are serving today and how we an change our world to make it better for our children and grandchildren," said Desiree Johnson.
The pole will stand about 8 feet and have four sides. Three sides will have the message "May peace prevail on Earth" written in Spanish, English and Japanese. The fourth side will say "May peace prevail in our community."
Volunteers will assemble the pole. The United Way is applying for special funding from the Commission on National Community Service to pay for the pole, which she says will cost $425. United Way is also looking for donations to pay for the benches that will surround the pole.
For more information on peace poles around the world, head to this website.
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