International Day of Peace is on the Map!

Chatham Hall’s Peace Garden was dedicated in 2020 as a part of the “Peace Pole Project” as a place for reflection and unity. New flowers and peace poles are "planted" each year during this inspiring, interactive service scheduled for October 4. "The four Peace Poles now standing in the garden serve as monuments to peace, while the blooming flowers symbolize the power of reconciliation," shared Chaplain Elisabeth Barksdale. These poles are inscribed with “May Peace Prevail” in 14 different languages, all of which are languages spoken by our community. This garden greets all who enter campus, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of our students. This year, two additional poles—handcrafted in our MakerSpace—will join them, further embodying our commitment to peace and community. 🌍🌸 

Chatham Hall will celebrate the International Day of Peace with a special service in the Peace Garden. Led by Chaplain Barksdale, the event will feature a procession of flags from around the world, carried by community members representing their home countries, and an invocation by the President of the International Student Association. Together, we will gather in reflection, song, and prayer, offering a moment of unity and peace. Highlights include readings by students from the Model UN Club, planting flower bulbs to symbolize peace, and a communal prayer for nonviolence. As part of this unique tradition, we will embrace the global call for peace and take a moment to reflect on our role in creating a more peaceful world. This event brings together our community’s diverse voices and traditions in a meaningful celebration of peace.