Rotary celebrates Peace Day 2003

The Milledgeville Rotary Club celebrated Rotary International's World Understanding and Peace Day 2003 with a ceremony at the Baldwin County Courthouse, February 21st, moved inside because of a threat of inclement weather. The Georgia College & State University Brass Quintet provided pre-program music, and Senator Faye Smith, Mayor Floyd Griffin Jr. and Baldwin County Commissioner Collins P. Lee were among the citizens attending the ceremony. The Milledgeville Police Department honor guard presented the American and Georgia flags.

Milledgeville was named the United State's first Peace Community in 1995 and a Peace Monument was erected at the courthouse in 1996.

Rotarian Bob Oliver said that Rotary operates under five basic concepts: respect for the life and dignity of every person, rejection of violence, resolution of conflict, reconciliation of differences and the pursuit of harmony, and freedom of expression and pursuit of diversity.

The theme for the fourth annual Rotary Peace Day was "Peace in the Community," and special tribute was paid to local law enforcement and fire department personnel for their efforts at keeping the peace in the community. Dr. Bob Wilson, a historian with Georgia College & State University and professor of history, gave a talk about the history of law enforcement in Baldwin County.

Photos above: Top: Detectives Brandon Sellers and John Davis and Officer Mike Harris present the colors at Rotary's Peace Day ceremony. Bottom Left: Rotarian Brad Oliver gives an inspiring speech. Bottom Right: Dr. Bob Wilson speaks on the history of law enforcement in Baldwin County.