February 23 also marks ‘Sow the Seeds of Love Day’ and 10 years of ‘peace’ in Pattaya
Past President Don Maclachlan
narrates the history of the Rotary Peace Monument.
Elfi Seitz
Rotarians from Pattaya area clubs marked the 109th anniversary of Rotary
International and the 10th anniversary of Pattaya declaring itself a “city of
peace.”
Members assembled Feb. 23 at Pratamnak Hill’s Peace Monument, which was built by
the Rotary Club of Pattaya in 2006.
Father
Michael Picharn Jaiseri, president of the Rotary Club of Pattaya welcomes
Rotarians and guests.
Rev. Michael Picharn Jaiseri, the president of the Rotary Club of Pattaya,
welcomed everyone with a short speech, noting that on Feb. 2, 2004 then Pattaya
Mayor Pairat Sutthithamrongsawat and then Rotary Club of Pattaya president Don
Maclachlan signed the declaration of peace.
The pledge stated that Pattaya respects the life and dignity of every person
without discrimination or prejudice; rejects violence in all forms and toward
people, will resolve conflict among people within local and global communities;
and would pursue harmony, freedom of expression and cultural diversity.
Rotarians and their families and
friends gather around the Peace monument in celebration of peace towards all
humanity.
February 23 also marks the ‘Sow the seeds of love’ day. This title was derived
from the theme of H.E. Bhichai Rattakul who was the first Thai to serve as
President of Rotary International in 2002-03. He has charged every Rotarian in
Thailand to fulfill their commitment by implementing a distinctive and worthy
humanitarian project in their communities on this day.
At the auspicious moment Rotarians and guests gathered around the Peace Monument
and released 400 white ‘peace’ balloons into the clear blue sky over Pattaya.
The gathering then adjourned for an evening of fellowship at the promenade in
front of the offices of Jural Law and the Pattaya Mail Media Group hosted by
Rotary Past District Governors Premprecha Dibbayawan and Pratheep Malhotra.
Members of the Interact Club of
Banglamung School were at their artistic best.
Rotarians from many clubs in
the region enjoying themselves at the party.
PDG Peter Malhotra (left) and PDG
Premprecha Dibbayawan pose with members of the Rotary Club of Pattaya.
