The rose, as both a flower and a symbol, was

beloved by Carolyn W. and Charles T. Beaird.

     Their work as activists and contributors helped bring the headquarters of the American Rose Society to Shreveport, where it thrives today in the American Rose Center and Gardens.

     When Dr. Beaird became publisher of the Shreveport Journal he printed a rose graphic on its front page daily as the symbol of the newspaper.  His editorial page awarded verbal "roses" to people who had earned positive recognition.

     He was instrumental in giving a new rose the name "Shreveport," (at right, sculpted in Boehm porcelain).  It was later honored as an All-America Rose Selection.  He also assisted the effort to have the United States Congress officially declare the rose "America's National Flower."

     A real rose was pinned to the lapel of his suit every day he went to work, and a symbolic rose logo lights the night sky atop downtown Shreveport's Beaird Tower.

     It is only fitting that the foundation, located in the Tower, should have the rose as its emblem.