On Sunday, August 2, 2026 the weather provided the Classic an opportunity to show the public what they really like to do…And the spectators showed up in response. Rotary Club of Indianola has annually been responsible for directing traffic into the parking area, and wow, were we busy. This year was the first time in 14 years the overflow area was used for parking and we still could not accommodate all of the individuals and families who came to see balloons, the Nite glow and Drone show. Thanks to pilot Rick Orey for giving us permission to use his Photo.
August 2026 Peace does not happen by accident. It must be pursued deliberately, built strategically, and woven intentionally into everything we do. That is the challenge I am placing before the Rotary world this year.
Rotary recognizes peacebuilding as one of our areas of focus. But I believe peace must be more than a category of work we set aside for certain projects. It must become a lens, one we choose to look through every time we plan, every time we serve, every time we ask what kind of impact we truly want to leave behind.
The Institute for Economics and Peace has identified eight Pillars of Positive Peace: well-functioning government, a sound business environment, equitable distribution of resources, acceptance of the rights of others, good relations with neighbors, free flow of information, high levels of human capital, and low levels of corruption. These pillars describe the conditions that make lasting peace possible. And when I look at them carefully, I see enormous potential for Rotary. Not because our work automatically advances peace but because it can when we are deliberate about it.
The May Peace Prevail On Earth movement is a grassroots global movement to inspire, and re-awaken the inherit consciousness of love, peace and harmony which exists in everyone of us. It is a movement to bring inner peace of mind and to foster peace in the world at large.
Together we can make May Peace Prevail On Earth the most widely expressed universal message of peace!
Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever. Learn more about Rotary's Seven Areas of Focus.
Promoting Peace Fighting Disease Providing Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Saving Mothers and Children Supporting Education Growing Local Economies Protecting the Environment
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in
particular, to encourage and foster:
First. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
Second. High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
Third. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;
Fourth. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
