Peace Light comes to Root Candles

MEDINA — Scouts lit candles from the Peace Light at Root Candles on Wednesday to challenge symbolically the flame's recipients to strive for peace. The Peace Light is a continuously burning flame in Bethlehem, which is intended to promote peace, light, love and hope across the globe. The Peace Light from Bethlehem campaign was started by the Austrian Broadcast Company in 1986 as a charitable fundraiser for children in need, and since then, Scouting groups from all over the world have passed the flame on to their country. Ed Martin is the chair of the Religious Relationships Committee for Scouting America's Great Trail Council. He said the light came to the council around 10 years ago, and this is its first year in Medina. Places that keep the flame going for a period of time, like Root Candles, are considered host sites. "Brad (Root) was involved in our Scouting district at one time," Soaring Eagle District Commissioner Craig Wrobleski said. "We figured this would be a great time to reach out and try to establish that relationship and move the Peace Light forward." Wrobleski also serves as a "keeper of light" and maintains the Peace Light flame year round. He has a Peace Light candle in his home, at work and at their ministry, and every few days he changes out the six-day candles used to keep the flame alive. "I have churches in the area that have their stoves or water tank pilots lit with it," he said. "I also have two in my own home. I have two gas fireplaces, and each pilot's lit with it. I have multiple places so that if something happens to any of the candles, we can go get it again from a pilot." Wrobleski transported the Peace Light to Root Candles using an oil lamp that carries the flame. The lamp sits inside a bucket with holes on the side and a cement bottom, so that it does not tip over. The Peace Light flame will be burning at Root Candles retail store until Jan. 6. "The more people that are aware of it, the more likely it is that we have a more peaceful community," Wrobleski said. "We're just trying to raise awareness." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.