Today the Atlantic Canada journey brought the Peace Run team to Moncton, New Brunswick, under cloudy skies and and cold winds but really wonderful people. From the morning gathering at the Ramada Inn to ceremonies at Mapleton Park, Moncton City Hall, Claude D. Taylor School, and the evening Peace Pole installation in Shediac, the day unfolded as a steady celebration of friendship, community, and goodwill.
At Claude D. Taylor School earlier 250 students from kindergarten to Grade 5 welcomed the runners in a gym ceremony that included a short video and the sharing of the torch message. The visit became another bright reminder that children naturally understand the language of peace when it is offered with sincerity and joy.
At Mapleton Park, runners were welcomed to the Community Peace Garden, where local friends shared stories and a vision of peace rooted in everyday service.
There will be 10 trees lining the entrance of the Peace Garden and over 100 species of plants. Many businesses, groups and people sponsored the garden or the gazebo or the stone seat and so on. It really has bought a lot of people together. Rotary was also involved along with the city of course which will maintain the area also.
Sherry Trenholm heartfelt words about the spirit behind the gathering and the power of friendship across borders touched us. She was co-chair of the peace garden and was surprised when her other co-chair arrived!
The official opening of the Mapleton Park Community Peace Garden was announced for Monday, June 22, offering the community another place to celebrate peace, friendship, and togetherness. The peace runners were lucky to get a glimpse of the peace garden and sign.
We met Sherry again later at the Moncton City Town Hall. She reflected on Moncton being a peace city and said, “The Peace Run has been a remarkable expression of international friendship and goodwill since 1987. It is wonderful to welcome the Peace Run and to celebrate the peace it shares with people of all backgrounds. We are also pleased that the official opening of the Mapleton Park Community Peace Garden will take place on Monday, June 22, as a celebration of peace, friendship, and community.” She also recalled the inspiration of Sri Chinmoy, who dedicated his life to encouraging people to discover peace within themselves and reminded us that “a world of peace will be the supreme achievement of humanity”
The city gave the runners gifts and lunch!
The new mayor of Moncton also greeted the runners with his daughter; his name is Shawn Crossman and he was elected Moncton’s mayor in May 2026 after serving for years as a city councillor.
Mayor Shawn Crossman’s remarks captured both civic pride and heartfelt encouragement. He said: “Good morning, everyone. Bonjour. On behalf of City Council and the citizens of Moncton, I extend a heartfelt welcome to all of you who are here for this special occasion. I remember when Greater Moncton was declared an International City of Peace in 2020. Today marks another beautiful moment in our city’s story. It is an honour to host you, to welcome the torch, and to celebrate what becomes possible when people come together in the spirit of peace”.
The evening continued with dinner in Moncton courtesy of local contact Murielle before two Peace Run vans travelled to Shediac for the installation of a Peace Pole at the North Atlantic Rotary Club Convention. Inscribed with the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in many languages, the Peace Pole stood as a fitting close to a day that joined city leaders, schoolchildren, community builders, and international runners in one shared aspiration. It was very cold but the peace message bought warmth to everyone.
What made the day especially inspiring was the example set by the people the team met. Mayor Shawn Crossman has devoted years to serving Moncton in public life and community leadership, while Sherry Trenholm has helped strengthen peace, friendship, and international goodwill through her community involvement and support for the Peace Garden and related initiatives. Members of the Mapleton Community Peace Garden, the Rotary initiatives, the staff and students of Claude D. Taylor School, supporters such as Darlene and Murielle Gosselin showed that peace is built not only through words, but through service, hospitality, and joyful participation.
Benoit Morier, an award winning multi instrumentalist, songwriter and record producer (Lisa Leblanc, Chic Gamine) held the torch in Moncton.
Thanks to Murielle Gosselin, a local Monctonian who sponsored us dinner and spent time with us all day.
Thanks to Karnayati who turned 80 on the run, organised and supported a lot of it and is still running! She left today.
