Rotary Club of Mystic Unveils Community Peace Garden

Rotary Club of Mystic Unveils Community Peace Garden to Honor the Enduring Legacy of President Jimmy and First Lady Rosalynn Carter

Mystic, January 16, 2025 – In a heartfelt and meaningful tribute, the Rotary Club of Mystic proudly announces the creation of the Community Peace Garden, a serene sanctuary dedicated to honoring the remarkable legacy of former President Jimmy Carter and his beloved First Lady, Rosalynn Carter. This initiative, generously supported by a District 7980 Peacebuilding Grant, seeks to celebrate the Carters’ lifelong dedication to peacebuilding, public health, and community service, while providing a tranquil space for reflection, education, and communal harmony.

A Legacy Rooted in Peace and Service

President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, is renowned not only for his tenure in the White House but also for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts and peace advocacy long after his presidency ended. Alongside Rosalynn Carter, his steadfast partner, Jimmy Carter has championed numerous causes, including Habitat for Humanity, the Carter Center’s efforts in eradicating diseases, and extensive work in conflict resolution worldwide. Their dedication to fostering peace, promoting public health, and enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals globally and within local communities makes honoring them with a Community Peace Garden both fitting and inspiring.

Symbolism at the Heart of the Garden

Central to the Community Peace Garden is the Peace Pole, a powerful emblem of unity and harmony. Inscribed with the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages, the Peace Pole embodies the Carters’ vision of a world where diverse communities come together in mutual respect and understanding. Crafted collaboratively with students from Ella Grasso Technical High School in Groton, the Peace Pole not only serves as a beacon of peace but also highlights the importance of youth engagement and education in sustaining these values.

Thoughtfully Designed to Reflect Carter’s Vision

The garden’s design meticulously incorporates native plants and flowers, each selected for their symbolism of health, peace, and resilience—qualities that mirror the Carters’ life's work. Pathways meander through lush greenery, guiding visitors to comfortable benches and seating areas ideal for quiet contemplation or community gatherings. Educational plaques strategically placed throughout the garden honor Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s profound contributions to peacebuilding and public health advocacy, offering visitors insightful narratives about their enduring impact as global leaders and changemakers.

Fostering Community Engagement and Unity

The Rotary Club of Mystic extends an open invitation to local Rotary clubs, civic organizations, and residents to participate in the realization of this inspiring project. Community members will have the opportunity to engage in every phase of the garden’s development—from planning and planting to the final dedication ceremony—fostering a sense of ownership and pride. A Garden Build Day is scheduled, where volunteers will come together to plant native flora and assemble the garden’s features, reinforcing the bonds within the community and celebrating collective effort.

“We are deeply honored to pay tribute to President Carter and Rosalynn Carter, whose tireless dedication to peace and health has left an indelible mark on the world,” said Mary Thompson, President of the Rotary Club of Mystic. “This garden is not merely a tribute but a living testament to their legacy, providing a space where our community can continue their mission of fostering peace and promoting well-being.”

Celebrating Carter’s Legacy Through Dedicated Events

Upon its completion, the Community Peace Garden will host a grand dedication ceremony featuring speeches from Rotary leaders, local officials, and esteemed peace and health advocates. This event will not only celebrate the Carters’ legacy but also spotlight Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self. The garden will further serve as a venue for peace-themed workshops, health-focused seminars, and educational gatherings, extending its positive impact on the community and inspiring ongoing engagement in the Carters’ spirit of service.

Sustaining the Vision: Budget and Support

The project is meticulously budgeted between $1,500 and $2,500, encompassing essential elements such as the Peace Pole, landscaping, native plants, benches, plaques, and miscellaneous costs. The Rotary Club is actively seeking additional sponsorships and in-kind support from local businesses and organizations to ensure the garden’s successful completion and sustainability.

A Lasting Tribute to a Family’s Dedication

The Community Peace Garden stands as a lasting tribute to Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s dual legacy of peacebuilding and promoting global health. It embodies Rotary’s commitment to advancing these causes through collaboration and community action, while also encouraging active participation from local residents and organizations. This garden not only honors the Carters’ contributions but also strengthens the fabric of the Mystic community, fostering an environment where peace and public health can thrive for generations to come.

“We invite all area Rotary clubs and civic organizations to join us in this meaningful project,” added Thompson. “Together, we can build a legacy of peace and public health that honors the incredible contributions of the Carters and enriches our community for years to come.”

Join Us in Celebrating a Legacy of Peace and Service

For more information or to get involved in the Community Peace Garden project, please contact the Rotary Club of Mystic.

About the Rotary Club of Mystic

The Rotary Club of Mystic is dedicated to fostering community spirit, promoting peace, and improving public health through collaborative projects and service initiatives. By honoring leaders like President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter, the club continues to inspire positive change and uphold the values of Service Above Self within the Mystic community and beyond.