NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) — The Daughters of the American Revolution hosted a dedication ceremony where they presented a historical marker in New Iberia, to pay tribute to the founding fathers who helped shape the United States into what it is today.

Organizers say the location of the DAR marker is significant, because it is the place where a home was built by Dr. Leonard J. Smith in 1836. His nephew, Smith also lived in the home and planted the two oak trees when his first child was born. The trees are all that exist today.

The community came together to honor three founding fathers, Francisco Segura, Gabriel Lopez and Juan Miguel. In addition, they honored the diverse cultures of the Spanish, French, Acadian, Anglo and Africans, who rallied behind Bernardo de Gálvez to fight the British during the American Revolution.

One of the members of the daughters of the American Revolution, Susan Lissard, say the war played a huge part in America.

“This mark commentates the Louisiana Patriots who contributed to the cause of America’s freedom and who settled along the banks of the Bayou Teche right here on what would one day become New Iberia,” said Lissard.

The New Iberia chapter of the daughters of the American Revolution are also celebrating 100 years of service, while the United States is celebrating 250 years since becoming a country.

“This is a diverse group and oftentimes they are left off and so in the end the diversity of them coming together, it shows that our history really consists of all of these people and the things that they did to provide for our independence,” said Lissard.

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