Thanks to the efforts of a local Boy Scout troop, Tamaqua now has a Peace Pole it can call all its own.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 777 of Tamaqua held a dedication of the Peace Pole project Monday at the North Railroad Street parking lot, 24 N. Railroad St.At that time, the troop dedicated the pole, positioned in the parking lot along Route 309 in front of the Tamaqua Train Station.The project was done by Bradley R. McAloose, Eagle Scout candidate, who led the Boy Scouts from Troop 777 in the final raising of the pole and dedication to demonstrate his leadership abilities.Bradley, 17, of Tamaqua, was joined by family members, along with members of the troop.He said the day marked the observance of the International Day of Peace.Bradley said he completed the project so that it could be dedicated to the residents of Tamaqua.He said the white vinyl pole exhibits the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" on each of its four sides.The verse is written in Italian, Gaelic, German and English, Bradley said.Bradley said that for buying the Peace Pole, World Peace International planted 10 trees in Africa.He then asked for a moment of silence for world peace and for the community.Afterward, Bradley thanked all those "for their support and donations" toward his project.Bradley has worked on his Eagle Scout goal for many years, during which time he has researched Peace Poles.Because world peace is an important issue to him, the Boy Scouts of America, the community and the world, he decided to erect the Peace Pole and dedicate it to the community of Tamaqua.Bradley began the project last year around June after he researched the Peace Pole and "decided that this was the best idea for trying to send a peaceful attitude worldwide."Bradley said the pole will be registered with the International Peace Pole Project for the entire world to view.Peace Poles are internationally recognized symbols of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family.There are tens of thousands of Peace Poles in nearly every county in the world dedicated as monuments of peace.Peace Poles all over the world stand vigil representing peace on Earth. Each pole displays the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in different languages.