This bronze statue, sometimes called “The Palm of Peace,” is in the courtyard of the National Palace, on the site of the signing of a peace to end Guatemala’s 36-year-long civil war in 1996. This statue represents two left hands reaching up, representing each side of the conflict and to signify a sincere truce between the two sides. The 16 interlocking arms signify the Guatemalan people, locked arm-in-arm, determined to sustain peace and liberty — the big rock which the arms lift up. Every day, to celebrate another day of peace in their country and the peace process, at 11:30 AM, the Army Honor Guard changes a white rose that has been placed on the monument with another fresh white rose. The day-old white rose, symbolizing 24 hours of peace, is then given to a guest of the country in a ceremony.
