Arts and Entertainment

Desert Gold DAR places memorial to patriots in Aztec

Viola Kelly of the Desert Gold Chapter of the DAR holds the microphone as Suzanne Heske, Historian General of the NSDAR, rang the bell in honor of her personal patriots.

While Aztec averages a mere 10 inches of rain per year, to the crowd assembled for the Desert Gold Chapter of the DAR event on Sept. 17, it seemed a good dent may have been made in that total.

In the few hours preceding the event, several waves of violent rain, wind and thunder swept across Armijo Plaza.

Yet, with 15 minutes remaining to the 1 p.m. start time, the heavy rain dwindled first to a drizzle and then stopped, as waves of people left the shelter of their cars and made their way to the shelter of awnings.

The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution had assembled to present a two-part program. The first was to dedicate and unveil the monument that was installed at the recently completed Rio de Animas Park area at the end of North Main Avenue. This is the second of such markers in New Mexico. The local chapter worked with local government officials to place one of these markers in Aztec.

In announcing the creation of the markers, the National DAR said, “We hope that these new markers will also become sources of pride for local communities to celebrate the brave patriots who founded our nation – and a reminder of the importance of emulating their conviction, courage and cooperation toward national unity.”

Bruce Black, retired U.S. Navy Reserve, addresses the crowd at Armijo Plaza for the Desert Gold Chapter event on Sept. 17. (Debi Tracy Olsen)

The America 250! Patriot Marker is a several year project by DAR chapters across the country in celebration of America’s semiquincentennial, more commonly known as the 250th anniversary.

While the official 1776 Declaration of Independence anniversary is July 4, 2026, DAR chapters are celebrating with various events leading up to and following the date.

The unveiling of the monument coincided with Constitution Week, which DAR celebrates each year. Greetings, proclamations and presentations were made by various DAR national, state and local officials, as well as local politicians and dignitaries, including an address from Bruce Black, retired U.S. Navy Reserve.

Suzanne Heske, historian general of the National Society of the DAR, said, “I am honored to celebrate and remember the lengths that our patriots went to defend their freedom, a call for independence from the British during the American Revolutionary War, by placing this National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution 250! Patriots Marker.”

“Today, the DAR is the largest nonpolitical women’s service organization in the world, with the mission of historic preservation, patriotism and education,” she said. Locally, the Desert Gold Chapter has approximately 80 members, ages 18 to 96.

This America 250! Patriot Marker now stands permanently at Rio de Animas Park at Armijo Plaza, North Main Avenue, Aztec.

When revealed, the monument reads in part: “This marker commemorates the men and women who achieved American independence. These patriots, believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought valiantly to found a new nation.”

“I am very proud to have this in the city of Aztec,” said Mayor Mike Padilla.

After the dedication and presentation of the marker, the DAR conducted a Bells Across America ceremony. Timed to coincide with similar DAR organizations all around the country, the bell was first rung 13 times by Heske in honor of the original 13 colonies which produced and supported the Founding Fathers. Then, the approximately 70 people in the audience were offered an opportunity to come up and ring the bell in honor of their patriots or veterans, men and women who served in any of the various wars and conflicts of the United States throughout its history.

By the time the last peal of the bell drifted away on the now gentle breeze, the sun was shining in blue skies as people enjoyed refreshments.