Courtesy David Claman and Caitlin DeSilvey
In the middle of the night in 1983, an impulsive act of art changed the landscape of Missoula, Montana, forever. A peace symbol was painted on a 30’ by 30’ steel reflector that had been placed atop a green hillside by US West. At first, it was painted over, but it mysteriously reappeared. Barbed wire and chain link fences were placed around the sign. It reappeared. Police were called. It reappeared. Finally, the company gave up and let it stay.
This peace symbol reigned over Missoula on and off for almost 20 years. Then in 2001, the reflector technology became obsolete. To the surprise of many residents, Qwest Communications (formerly US West) offered the sign to the city. Residents kicked off a campaign to keep the sign that had become a local icon. The majority of those surveyed were in favor of keeping the sign.
Over almost two decades, the peace sign on the hill had appeared in wedding invitations, children’s artwork, newspaper articles and television stories. Despite the groundswell of support, the city decided it couldn’t take on the liability, and passed on the chance to own what had become a Missoula landmark. Many residents were devastated. And their story was covered worldwide.
Qwest agreed to dismantle the reflector into nine 10’ x 10’ pieces, each bearing a portion of the peace symbol. Nine residents were appointed “caretakers” and each signed a contract promising to protect his or her piece until all nine pieces could be reunited.
The Peace Center in Missoula has taken the lead in searching for a way to reunite the nine pieces. In this process, they have endeavored to listen to all perspectives. Many are for it, yet others disagree. Some veterans express how it reminds them of the lack of respect they experienced upon returning home from various wars. Others prefer the beauty of a natural horizon, unmarred by graffiti.
In 2005, four acres on the same hill were donated to the Peace Center as a potential site for a new sign. Out of respect for the opposing opinions, the 9 pieces have not been reassembled. Instead, this hillside is now home to a Peace Park where a
temporary peace sign has been created with rocks and fabric on the face of the hill.
Many residents dream of seeing the nine pieces reunited. Yet Betsy Mulligan-Dague, Executive Director of the Peace Center says, “Being a peacemaker isn’t about digging in your heels in the name of peace, it’s about finding common ground between two polar positions. This is how real peace happens and progress is made.” The spring of 2011 will mark 10 years since the sign was dismantled. The community still struggles with the conflict surrounding the sign, and the pieces still speak to many, requesting to be reunited.
Artwork courtesy of Amity and Glenn Parks
Follow Us!