(From left) Gold star family members Autumn West, 6, and Elizabeth West plant black-eyed Susans to commemorate the Army’s 250th birthday at the Living Legacy Forest June 13, 2025. Community members planted 250 black-eyed Susans to serve as a tribute to the Army’s rich history and legacy of service, sacrifice, and dedication.
Photo by Rachel Ponder, CECOM
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ABERDEEN PROVING GROUD, Md. — Members of the APG community planted 250 black-eyed Susan flowers at the Living Legacy Forest to commemorate the Army’s 250th birthday and honor fallen Soldiers on June 13, 2025.
Guests included Gold Star family members, APG senior leaders, children who attend the Child Development Center, and the APG mascot, Col. Baldwin the Bald Eagle.
Program Executive Officer for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors Brig. Gen. Ed Barker provided welcoming remarks. He said the Army motto “This We’ll Defend” was our promise in 1775, and we continue to keep it today.
“It’s not just about honoring the past, which we will always do; by planting these flowers today, we are recognizing that there is an enormous amount of future, hope, and optimism,” he said.
Anna-Lisa Marcum, chief of the APG Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division, said black-eyed Susans were chosen as the official Maryland state flower in 1918 because their black and yellow color matches the Calvert family crest. This family played a significant role in the founding of Maryland. Black-eyed Susans are native to the area and are resilient, able to withstand inclement weather and natural stressors.
“They are going to last here for a very long time, grow, develop, and really enhance the beauty of this amazing place,” she said.
Marcum said DPW helped prepare for the flower planting by digging 250 holes for the flowers, donated by the Association of the United States Army.
“We are super honored to be a part of this fantastic event; what better way to pay tribute and homage to this beautiful area than with such a beautiful plant that represents hope and motivation,” she said.
The Living Legacy Forest was dedicated in 2018 as a space to honor and remember fallen service members and to provide a place for APG Gold Star Families to call their own and find peace. Marcum said the black-eyed Susans will be in bloom this October during APG’s Gold Star Family Day.
Gold Star Family member Elizabeth West attended the flower planting with her daughter.
“It’s nice to see them taking action to honor the people that we have lost,” West said.
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Janice Chance, chaplain of the Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter, said she feels at home at APG and receives a “constant outpouring of support.”
“This installation has set aside a place for us to feel significant,” Chance said about the Living Legacy Forest.
Gold Star Mother Donna Robinson said she appreciates that APG planned a 250th Army birthday celebration that honors fallen Soldiers and their families.
“I know the military hasn’t left us,” she said.
Gold Star Spouse Riva Gijanto-Burris said the Gold Star community wants to continue supporting the military and veterans in various ways. She said she appreciates the outpouring of support shown by the community at the flower planting.
“It is so humbling to see people who don’t have a stone here, giving their honest time; I love authentic people who want to pay their respects, not just for the fallen but for their families,” she said.
Chance said she looks forward to attending more events at the Living Legacy Forest.
“Aberdeen Proving Ground, they prove they love us consistently,” Chance said.
For more photos, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/albums/72177720326829365/
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