On Saturday, June 27, Rotarians from across District 6290 came together for a Peace Walk across the International Bridge connecting Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The event provided an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to peace and celebrate the enduring friendship between the United States and Canada.
Video created by JR Muller, District Public Image Chair, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids
More than 1,200 participants took part in the 3-mile walk, including Rotarians from throughout our district. Wearing "Rotary Ambassador for Peace" shirts, our group enjoyed perfect weather and spectacular views of the St. Mary's River rapids.
At the midpoint of the bridge, where the Canadian and U.S. flags mark the international border, we passed a peace pole to our Canadian Rotary friends and recited the following Peace Pledge:
In the name of all we hold sacred, we will not take up arms against each other. We will work for peace, maintain liberty, strive for freedom, and demand equal opportunities for all. May the long-existing peace between our nations stimulate other peoples to follow this example. (This pledge is recited annually at Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.)
Upon arriving in Canada, participants received certificates of participation from the Bridge Walk organizers and were warmly welcomed by the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, for lunch. Joined by additional Canadian Rotarians, we once again recited the Peace Pledge - a fitting conclusion to a memorable day of fellowship and shared purpose.
Following the success of this year's event, we plan to make the Rotary Peace Walk across the International Bridge an annual tradition. Be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday, June 26, 2027, and plan to join us.
If you are interested in helping develop programs that promote peace in our communities and around the world, the District Peacebuilder Committee welcomes new members. To learn more, contact Co-Chair Kate Fornarotto at FornarottoKate@gmail.com.
Article submitted by Kate Fornarotto, Rotary Club of Holland