Lynn, Mass.  – As part of the International Day of Peace, doctors, staff and patients at North Shore Medical Center (NSMC) dedicated a peace pole inside the Dr. Harvey Zarren Healing Gardens at Union Hospital in Lynn, MA. The pole represents peace around the world, and is inscribed with messages of hope in several different languages. The peace pole was donated by Nancy Long, a devoted peace advocate and long-time yoga instructor at NSMC.

The dedication ceremony was led by NSMC physician Dr. Harvey Zarren and Nancy Long, and included readings and songs of peace. In her remarks, Ms. Long described the NSMC Union Hospital peace pole -- one of thousands found around the globe -- as a form of acupuncture for the planet, helping to provide balance and harmony for all. Messages in 12 different languages we also read in their native tongue followed by a moment of silent reflection.

The pole is now a permanent fixture in the 23,000 square foot healing gardens, which are set in a woodland area behind NSMC Union Hospital’s healing atrium. The area is made up of a series of walkways that connect a dozen unique garden areas for patients to enjoy.

The gardens feature paths that are accessible for wheelchairs and hospital beds, enabling even seriously ill patients to spend time with their loved ones in the peaceful setting of familiar trees, flowers, and birds that have marked their lives on the North Shore.