In Rogers Park today, there is beauty and then?

It's a tiny triangle at the intersection of three rights of way--Rogers Avenue, Birchwood Avenue, and Ashland Avenue in Rogers Park. It probably never had to be there, but, back in 1953, the American Legion Joyce Kilmer Post 780 (which seems to not be situated in Chicago) set this copper plate in this huge boulder to remind American citizens of just what our armed forces have done for us, how they have helped us continue to be free.

Last autumn, the curbing was re-done on this triangle, bulbs were planted, new mulch was placed, and these magnificent Forsythia seem to be new.

During the four springs now that I have lived here in Rogers Park, each time I pass this small memorial, I stop and think of someone I have known who served, and how courageous they were. It does give pause.

Thank you to all those responsible for the renovation--it looks great!

Just a block and a little more to the west lies Ald. Joe Moore's Gateway Centre where, I found today, (Earthy Day) this scenario:

Truly, Spring has come to Rogers Park and the 49th Ward of Chicago!

The tulips and daffodils are in full bloom; the maples and rosebushes have leaves; and the SKANKY, CA-CA BROWN CHRISTMAS WREATH STILL HANGS BETWEEN THE PEELING COLUMNS!

Nice, professional management of the mall, isn't it?