A Refuge of Peace (Introductory Message)

Located on a winding trail in a setting, the beauty of which could be created only by the combined ef­forts of man and nature, the Cultural Gardens of Cleveland symbolize a refuge of peace in a strife-torn world.

The gardens were dedicated in 1939, significantly, the last year of peace since the termination of World War I. The Shakespeare Garden, first of the nine­teen presently in the Cultural Garden Plan, was de­dicated in 1916 during the midst of this world-wide carnage in which America was engulfed one year later.

Today, the Cultural Gardens of Cleveland demon­strate the unity of the many separate nationality groups who, together, compose the American people. The City of Cleveland can take justifiable pride in the fact that nowhere in the world can a similar testi­monial of understanding between peoples be found.

Inscribed on the monument in the American Le­on Peace Garden of the Nations are the following ords: “In America, peace, understanding, amity, nd cooperation among the peoples of all nations.” oil from all parts of the world had been brought this garden and blended together in a common xture. The soil coupled with the inscription ex­ss the underlying theme or motif of the Cultural–Gardens –brotherhood and love of humanity.

The City of Cleveland is a cross section of Ameri-Here we literally have a community of,,nations. e dream of the American pelting pot has never been more clearly demonstrated than in the City of Cleveland where the Cultural Gardens stand as a memorial to the diverse nationalities and cultures of our city.

Mutual understanding, respect and brotherhood are part of the basic tenets of our democratic form of government. From the first day of the founding of the Republic, the inalienable rights of the Ameri­can people of life, liberty and the pursuit of happi­ness have been nurtured in the soil of a free land. We have been blessed by Almighty God with a form of government under which we can raise our fami­lies in peace and security.

I believe it especially significant that the Gar­dens are the result of the combined effort of many individuals, groups, and the city of Cleveland. Each nationality group represented in the series of gar­dens has raised funds for material and has donated statuary as well as other objects of art of cultural im­portance. The City of Cleveland has been primarily responsible for the maintenance of the Gardens. This cooperation between the people and government rep­resents the spirit which the Cultural Gardens in­culcate in the minds of the people of the world.

I hope and trust that the basic concept behind the Cultural Gardens of Cleveland will provide the nec­essary impetus in the movement for better under­standing among all people, and among all nations throughout the world. When the dream of the Cul­tural Gardens becomes a reality, we will then be liv­ing in a true community of nations under God.

–-Anthony J. Celebrezze, Mayor