| | Abstract: | The Phoenix Peace Fountain (2002) was created by Michael Whitely, president and chief executive officer of Inspirational Media International (f. 1998) located in Painesville, Ohio. This company specializes in resolving conflict and nurturing positive relationships using educational programs and other means. As a result, Inspirational Media International was approached and asked to design cross-community initiatives accenting the similarities between the Catholic and Protestant communities, after the signing of the Peace Accord in Northern Ireland in 1998. Whitely conceived the idea of a Phoenix Peace Fountain, built from weapons collected by the police forces in Ohio, that today stands in Northern Ireland as a symbol of peace and hope for the future. Individuals and organizations throughout the United States contributed to this project in donating their time, efforts and products needed for this fountain to become a reality. The Fountain was a gift from the communities of the United States to the communities of Northern Ireland and is on permanent view in Anderson Park, Coleraine, Northern Ireland. It serves to illustrate a lasting reminder to the people of Northern Ireland of America's support in the Northern Ireland peace process. Over four hundred individuals and organizations in the United States were involved in the making of this eight-ton, twelve-foot stainless steel fountain. Thousands of weapons seized by law enforcement agencies throughout America, were used in the making of this monument. The use of these weapons symbolizes the end of violence. The design of the fountain is based on the Giant's Causeway, County Antrim, in Northern Ireland, and it names the 26 councils that signed the Peace Accord, May 22, 1998. The top of the monument features a phoenix on a nest of rifles, symbolizing the story of how this bird was reborn from its own ashes, and gives a promise of a new beginning. The fountain was shipped to Northern Ireland courtesy of Air France and was unveiled on July 4, 2002. The collection consists of consist of a brochure, a calendar, newspaper clippings and a pamphlet. | |
