GREENSBORO, Ga. — In a heartwarming gathering filled with inspiration and unity, the Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties recently celebrated the United Nations International Day of Peace at the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club. The event, which took place on a sunny afternoon, brought together community leaders, members of the Boys & Girls Club, and Rotarians to honor the timeless message of peace, a cause that transcends borders and connects us all.

The celebration kicked off with a warm welcome from James Kilgore, program director of the Boys & Girls Club, who expressed his excitement to host such a meaningful event at their center.

The atmosphere was charged with patriotism as the Junior ROTC of Greene County High School presented the Colors. Their disciplined and respectful display set the tone for an afternoon focused on unity and mutual respect.

Rotary Club President Martha Franks took the stage next to welcome attendees.

“This day reminds us that peace isn’t just an idea — it’s something we can create, each and every day, through our actions, big and small,” Franks said. The importance of individual contributions to a greater global cause was central to the event’s theme.

Tina Fischlin, Rotary Past District Governor, gave a heartfelt speech titled “Peace Starts with You and Me.” Fischlin emphasized that peace begins within each of us. She encouraged attendees to look inward and consider how their thoughts, words, and actions could contribute to a peaceful world. Her powerful words resonated deeply with adults and youth, reinforcing the idea that peace is not a distant goal but a present responsibility.

Stacy McClendon, Director of the Boys & Girls Club, then spoke passionately about the significance of the International Day of Peace. He emphasized the role of the Boys & Girls Club in nurturing the next generation of leaders who will carry the torch of peace forward.

“Great leaders are those who understand the importance of peace,” McClendon said, his voice steady with conviction. “It’s about creating a world where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.” McClendon highlighted students participating in the EarlyAct program which is a service club sponsored by the local Rotary Club for elementary school students, typically between the ages of 5 and 13.  The goal of EarlyAct is to cultivate young leaders who will continue to be active contributors to their communities as they grow older. Many of the EarlyAct students shared with the crowd what peace meant to them.

The event also featured a vibrant cultural performance by the Boys & Girls Club Members, who presented a heartfelt song and dance that celebrated shared values of peace across cultures. The performance was a beautiful display of creativity and unity, showcasing the talents of the youth involved in the Boys & Girls Club. Through their song and dance, the young performers conveyed a message of harmony, reminding the audience that peace is not just a concept, but something that can be expressed through art and cultural exchange. Their joyful energy added a special touch to the celebration, further highlighting the importance of fostering understanding and connection among people from all walks of life. After their heartfelt performance, the students received a standing ovation, a testament to their dedication and impact.

The program featured an inspiring address from Va’Quaria Dunn, the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. Dunn shared her personal thoughts on what peace means to her, speaking with maturity and wisdom beyond her years.

A key moment of the event took place as attendees gathered around the Peace Pole, a symbol of hope and unity. Former Boys & Girls Club Board Chair, Mike O’Neal, spoke about the significance of the Peace Pole, which bears the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages. O’Neal’s reflection on the importance of such symbols helped remind everyone of the global effort required to make peace a reality. O’Neal noted that the middle and high school students walk by the Peace Pole each day as they enter the Boys & Girls Club, a daily reminder of the importance of peace and the ongoing efforts to create a more harmonious world.

The celebration included a meaningful, delightful recitation of the Rotary Four-Way Test by Dakota Carter (7 years old) and Destiny Hall (6 years old), two of the Club’s active members. Their recital, which underscores principles of honesty, fairness, goodwill, and the consideration of all people in our actions, perfectly encapsulated the values celebrated throughout the day.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Greene County Board of Education member Steve Kilgore offered a moving prayer of peace. With reverence and humility, Kilgore prayed for harmony and understanding, not only within the local community but across the world. His words were a call for compassion, tolerance, and a collective effort to make peace a daily practice. As he prayed for guidance and strength, the audience stood in quiet reflection, united in the hope for a peaceful future.

The event left attendees with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that while peace may seem like an ambitious goal, it is achievable through collaboration, understanding, and the collective will of communities coming together for the greater good. The Rotary Club’s celebration at the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club was a beautiful reminder that peace truly does start with each and every one of us.