“Here in this grove of enduring redwoods, preserved for posterity, members of the United Nations Conference on International Organization met on May 19, 1945, to honor the memory of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, thirty-first President of the United States, chief architect of the United Nations, and apostle of lasting peace for all mankind.”
— Memorial Plaque, Cathedral Grove, Muir Woods, 1945
Beginning with a Breath
“Okay, everyone — let’s all take three deep breaths!” called out Jace Ritchey, a dedicated Muir Woods Park Ranger. His calm voice invited us to center ourselves amidst the towering giants of nature.
The following Rotarians from the Rotary Club of San Francisco were present: Anil Bhargava, President Bob Hermann, Dan Joraanstad, Heidi Kühn, Lisa Stark, and Eric Orantes (myself) who will soon join this Club. Also present was Lisa Stark's husband — Henry Rubin (a non-Rotarian).
President Bob Hermann, Heidi Kühn, Patrick Dunn, Lisa Stark, Eric Orantes, and Dan Joraanstad
We stood at the threshold of the sacred grove, ready to embark on the Walk for Peace — a solemn event rooted in remembrance, unity, and hope for a better future.
We were joined by dignitaries including Davide Corriero, Deputy Consul General of Italy; Gry Rabe Henriksen, Consul General of Norway; Dmytro Kushneruk, Consul General of Ukraine; Gerald de Graaf, Senior Envoy for Digital to the U.S. and head of the European Union office in San Francisco; Former Ambassador Lê Thị Tuyết Mai and the spouse of the Consul General of Vietnam; Tung Son Le, Chief of Staff; and Juan Miguel Miranda Brambilla, Counsel General of Peru.
Dignitaries with Park Ranger and Heidi Kühn
Our journey was led by Mia Monroe and a team of experienced Park Rangers, guiding us beneath the ancient canopy of redwoods — some over 1,000 years old — now serving as silent witnesses to history and resilience.
A Sacred Gathering
As we moved beneath the towering redwoods, a profound sense of purpose settled over us. This was more than a walk; it was a pilgrimage of remembrance. The gentle whisper of the wind through the treetops and the soft babbling of nearby streams seemed to carry a message: one of pain endured, healing begun, and hope renewed. When we reached the Memorial Plaque, we formed a circle around it, united in silent reflection.
As we moved beneath the towering redwoods, a profound sense of purpose settled over us. This was more than a walk; it was a pilgrimage of remembrance. The gentle whisper of the wind through the treetops and the soft babbling of nearby streams seemed to carry a message: one of pain endured, healing begun, and hope renewed. When we reached the Memorial Plaque, we formed a circle around it, united in silent reflection.
The grove was alive with the presence of Rotarians from the Rotary Club of San Francisco, the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown, the Rotary Club of San Rafael, the Rotary Club of Reno, the Rotary Club of Windsor, the Rotary E-Club for Peace, and the Rotary Club of Las Vegas — each person committed to the ideals of service and peace.
“Never Forget”
A poignant speech by Gerald de Graaf, Senior Envoy for Digital to the U.S. and head of the European Union office in San Francisco, brought the moment into sharp focus. His words stirred my memory, recalling the sacrifices of both soldiers and civilians during World War II. His message resonated deeply: the lessons of history demanded our vigilance, compassion, and unwavering dedication to peace. The grove, with its ancient redwoods standing tall and resilient, symbolized hope and the enduring strength of community and remembrance.
A poignant speech by Gerald de Graaf, Senior Envoy for Digital to the U.S. and head of the European Union office in San Francisco, brought the moment into sharp focus. His words stirred my memory, recalling the sacrifices of both soldiers and civilians during World War II. His message resonated deeply: the lessons of history demanded our vigilance, compassion, and unwavering dedication to peace. The grove, with its ancient redwoods standing tall and resilient, symbolized hope and the enduring strength of community and remembrance.
Carrying the Torch
Soon, I will formally be inducted into the Rotary family — a community committed to Service Above Self and the pursuit of global peace. This event reaffirmed my belief in the power of collective action: that through remembrance and active engagement, we can shape a brighter, more peaceful future. As I take on this new chapter, I carry with me the lessons learned in that sacred grove: the importance of honoring history, fostering understanding across cultures, and dedicating ourselves to a shared vision of peace.
Soon, I will formally be inducted into the Rotary family — a community committed to Service Above Self and the pursuit of global peace. This event reaffirmed my belief in the power of collective action: that through remembrance and active engagement, we can shape a brighter, more peaceful future. As I take on this new chapter, I carry with me the lessons learned in that sacred grove: the importance of honoring history, fostering understanding across cultures, and dedicating ourselves to a shared vision of peace.
With Gratitude
My heartfelt thanks go to Heidi Kühn, President Bob Hermann, the Rotary Club of San Francisco, and Patrick Dunn. Special thanks go to Dan Joraanstad and the National Park Service. Your leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication inspired me — and countless others — to continue working toward a world where peace will prevail.
My heartfelt thanks go to Heidi Kühn, President Bob Hermann, the Rotary Club of San Francisco, and Patrick Dunn. Special thanks go to Dan Joraanstad and the National Park Service. Your leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication inspired me — and countless others — to continue working toward a world where peace will prevail.
In the words inscribed in Muir Woods and echoed through history, let us remember: Peace is not just a dream but a collective responsibility, rooted in remembrance, action, and hope.
See more photos here.
Editor's Note: The Board of the Rotary Club of San Francisco has approved Eric Orantes for membership. We look forward to formally welcoming Eric into our Club and thank him for sharing his experience at this special event.