By Anja Friedrich, USCM Intern
July 15, 2002

Beaumont (TX) Mayor Evelyn M. Lord was one of the people to cut the ribbon opening the "In God we trust _ United we Stand" Memorial garden on June 22, 2002. The garden is dedicated to the victims of the September 11th 2001 attacks and was organized by The Beaumont Council of Garden Clubs.

Executive director of Beaumont Botanical Gardens Bob Whitman, and Beaumont Council of Garden Clubs President Sharon Odegar, were the key organizers in bringing the garden to life. The Garden is in the shape of a pentagon 50 feet by 50 feet wide representing the American government and two large eagles guard the entrance of the garden as a symbol of America's freedom. In the center of the pentagon is a raised platform with two large black granite towers surrounded by various other granite towers of various shapes and colors. The two main towers represent the twin towers while the other towers symbolize the New York Fire Department, New York Police Department, U.S. Army Services, Medical Profession, United Airlines and American Airlines. There are thAlong with Mayor Lord, Whitman and Odegar at the opening ceremony were Beulah and Allan Yokum, who lost their 27 year old son Kevin, in the attack on the Pentagon, as well as two members of the New York fire Fighters, Neal King and Tom Sullivan who also helped cut the ribbon.

Along with Mayor Lord, Whitman and Odegar at the opening ceremony were Beulah and Allan Yokum, who lost their 27 year old son Kevin, in the attack on the Pentagon, as well as two members of the New York fire Fighters, Neal King and Tom Sullivan who also helped cut the ribbon.