DAR in Downey

Walking across one of the grassy fields at Furman Park, I came across this plaque. It is from the Santa Gertrudes Chapter of the DAR and was dedicated in 1976. I couldn't believe it! I had never noticed this before. Evidently, the DAR donated this grove of trees to the park.

Founded in 1890, the Daughters of the American Revolution honors and preserves the legacy of our patriot ancestors. Over two hundred years ago, American patriots fought and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. (I have to admit, since watching Gilmore Girls, I have wanted to join the DAR.)

DAR membership is available to women 18 years or older who can prove they are a direct descendant of Revolutionary War patriots. DAR promotes patriotism, education, and historic preservation.

While I am not a member of DAR, my daughter surprised me a couple of years ago by joining. Maybe it's time I joined myself!

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
~ Lee Greenwood

Our inheritance

I have shown this grove before. It is the grove of trees donated to Furman Park by the DAR. On this day, we were taking a walk to enjoy the crisp morning. The park was especially beautiful. The sun was brightly shining through a break in the clouds overhead. But, the darker clouds still loomed in the background, giving a magical feel to the day.

We seem to spend more time walking through the park these days. It is a blessing to be able to enjoy the beauty this close to home.

“One may lack words to express the impact of beauty but no one who has felt it remains untouched. It is renewal, enlargement, intensification. The parks preserve it permanently in the inheritance of the American citizens.”
~ Bernard DeVoto

Wintry landscape

Although Downey is in moderate—normally sunny—southern California, here you can see the trees in the northeast corner of Furman Park looking very naked and wintry. All this fits with the cold, rainy weather we have had in the last couple of weeks.

These trees are part of the Memorial Grove planted here by the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). You can see more in this DDP post.

"Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.”
~ Kahlil Gibran