history of the peace pole
- February 2005: The plaza idea was inspired by a suggestion from Jon den Herder, longtime peace and environmental activist who died of brain cancer.
- April 8, 2005: Holland Sentinel Article: "Group asks city for 'peace pole'. Peacemakers to use donations to pay for memorial with message in 16 languages" By Sarah Junk
(drawing of the original proposal)
- In the process the City thought maybe another location in the park would be better. The picture below shows the second proposal.
- June 29, 2005: Holland Sentinel Article: "Commission OKs peace plaza, pole for city park" By Roel Garcia
- July 8, 2005: Set Back Number 1: Holland Sentinel Article: "Commissioners reject peace pole plan: Historic commission decides modern material doesn't fit with park" by Roel Garcia. The underlining discussion was that the Peace Pole was a political statement not just the materials. That was not reported.
- Back to the Leisure and Culture Commission again with the following results.
- July 27, 2005: Holland Sentinel Article: "Peace pole backers look to Kollen Park" by Krista Chambers
- September 28, 2005: Holland Sentinel Article: "Commission rejects latest peace pole plan" by Roel Garcia.
- The Holland Peacemakers were called unAmerican, unpatriotic and supporters of terrorists. That was not reported but all heard it.
- October 6, 2005: Holland Sentinel Article: "Debate swirling around peace pole: City council refuses to ask commissioner to resign over her comments" by Krista Chambers.
- Of course this generated a ton of letters, mostly in favor of the peace pole. View some by going to Holland Sentinel and put Peace Pole in for the year 2005. The above action generated a letter from Ms. Marquis.
- October 7, 2005: Holland Sentinel Article: "Peace pole debate elicits apology: City commissioner Marquis sends letter explaining comments to Holland Peacemakers" by Patrick Revere
- Back to the Leisure and Culture Commission again. Below is our current site location and depicition.
- October 26, 2005: Holland Sentinel Article: "Panel revives peace pole: Proposal to place pole in Kollen Park heads to city council" by Lesa Marie Storms
- Getting close, but there is more opposition from City Council.
- November 10, 2005: Holland Sentinel Article: "Peace pole on hold for legal issues: City council concerned about accepting donation from private source" by Lesa Marie Storms
- The story is not over. And will not be over as far as we are concerned. But we need help. We will continue to work for peace, and with your help, we can make the peace plaza in Holland happen. It starts with just one person of peace.