SMETHPORT — In a world too often divided by conflict and misunderstanding, a quiet but powerful symbol of hope now stands in Smethport.

Sponsored by the Smethport Rotary Club, the newly installed Peace Pole at Hamlin Memorial Library is a visible reminder of shared humanity and a longing for harmony, representatives said.

Located on the front corner of the library lot, the pole bears a simple yet profound message: “May peace prevail on earth.” The phrase is written in four languages with one language for each side. They are English, French, Italian and Swedish.

“The peace pole is an internationally recognized symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family,” said Joy Ammerman, of the Rotary.

The voice of languages was intentional and meaningful, Ammerman explained.

“We wanted to choose languages that related to the different cultures in our area,” she said. “We selected those languages because we thought more people would be likely to understand them.”

The project was inspired by a global call-to-action put out by Rotary International, which challenged every local chapter to plant a Peace Pole within their communities. So far, more than 250,000 Peace Poles have been placed in over 180 countries around the world. Each one promotes the same universal message of peace.

“Our district governor put this project out as a challenge to every club,” said Ammerman. “He wanted us to do something lasting that will help bring people together, not just locally but globally.”

The considered design and installation took some time but club members say that the results were well worth the effort.

“It took us a while to get it all together but we really like it and hope that everyone else likes it too,” said Ammerman.

The Peace Pole is just one of several recent efforts by the Smethport Rotary Club to foster goodwill in the community. In addition to the pole, the club has recently donated several new books to both the library and Smethport Area School District.

“All of these things we have been doing are to further Rotary’s commitment to making our world a better place,” said Ammerman. “Whether it is promoting peace, supporting literacy or serving our neighbors, we want to be part of the solution.”