The Traveling Peace Arch has evolved from a simple contest into a vibrant celebration of friendship and Rotary spirit. Now, it's a dynamic way to explore and connect with clubs across borders by sharing stories and experiences. True to Mel Hollinger’s vision, it remains a symbol of friendship and encourages regular cross-border visits. As Linda Murray suggests, bring as many club members as you can to make the journey memorable.
On our new website, you’ll find a record of the Peace Arch’s travels, complete with club names, photos, and stories, much like the adventures of a traveling gnome. The Peace Arch might even join in fundraisers, duck races, and other community events, making every stop a unique part of its journey!
2024/25 Rotary Year
Follow along as we document The Travelling Peace Arch's journey throughout the district.
At the Hands Across the Border event on August 23rd, attendees were able to pass The Travelling Peace Arch along the Peace Arch Border.
District Governor Elect Isabelle (RC Surrey) is shown handing The Travelling Peace Arch to District Governor Dave (RC Arlington).
"DG Dave passes the traveling miniature Peace Arch to Arlington club president Mel Simpson with the expectation that a contingent from our club visit a club north of the border to pass it on."
Historical Records of the Travelling Peace Arch
The travelling Peace Arch was conceived by PDG Mel Hollinger in 1989. When Mel was installed as District Governor in 1990 he implemented the program with the following words:
"This Peace Arch is a symbol of friendship between our two countries. The object is to encourage us to travel back and forth across the border to neighbouring clubs to visit and enjoy Rotary. It must not sit on one side of the border for long periods of time."
Over the years it has travelled many thousands of miles across our border, and has help build many new Rotary friendships. Although it was conceived in 1989, it is uncertain when it actually began. According to an article written by Bruce Kleeberger, the first exchange of the Travelling Peace Arch took place on May 2nd, 2003 with the Rotary Club of Anacortes (WA). It has travelled across the border between "sons of a common mother" ever since.
When a club has received a surprise visit from the latest custodian of District 5050's symbol of inter-club fellowship, it is their responsibility to pass it on across the border as quickly as possible. In one case, the Bellingham Sunrise (WA) club, delivered it to the White Rock Peninsula Club (BC) within four hours.
2012
"After being lost for over a year, the Travelling Peace Arch was located and is on the move again! Brock Stiles presented it to Terry Becker, President of the Rotary Club of Meadow Ridge.
With that being said, beware US clubs as you may have some visitors in the near future! Let’s keep it moving and not lose it again!
New club members, you may not be aware of the Traveling Peace Arch. It is a replica of the actual Peace Arch and travels between the US and Canadian clubs. It is great fun and we look for a very quick turn around time for it to travel back and forth by visiting Rotarian’s delivering it to unsuspecting clubs."
2013
"Members of the Rotary Club of Port Coquitlam Centennial visited the Rotary Club of South Everett Mukilteo on July on Friday July 12, 2013 to pass on the Travelling Peace Arch. Thanks to all the members of the South Everett Mukileto Club for their warm welcome and good luck with the Travelling Peace Arch!"
2014
"I am the Hollinger Rotary International District 5050 Traveling Peace Arch. Many of you might not know about me, so I thought I'd evolve from the archaic paper record to something more appropriate to the 21st Century! So here I am with my own Facebook page to track my activities as I move between US and Canadian clubs in the great District 5050."
"The Stephansons get ready to deliver the arch"
"Jim Stephanson of the South Everett Mukilteo club delivers me to Jordon Prokuda of the Surrey Central City Provisional Rotary Club. I'm travelling!"