Blue Star Memorial Marker Project Garden Arts Garden Club Blue Star Memorial Marker The Blue Star Memorial Highways are a tribute to the armed forces that have defended the United States of America. The National Garden Clubs, Inc., is the parent organization for Blue Star Memorial Highways. The New Jersey State Council of Garden Clubs started the movement in 1944 by planting  a 5 ½ mile stretch of  8,000 dogwood trees as a living memorial to the men and women who had fought in WWII. The idea caught on  and the National Garden Club adopted the idea  and approved the Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker program. They designated various states and national routes as Blue Star Memorial Highways. The Blue Star name comes from the blue star in the service flag. The blue star was chosen to symbolize the memorial because it was used during World War II on flags and homes of families that had a son or daughter in the armed forces The program has   expanded to include Memorial Markers and Memorial By-Ways. These markers are used in National Cemeteries, parks, veterans facilities, and gardens. Look for the Blue Star Markers You may have one nearby if you live in: Augusta at 5th St. Bridge over the Savannah River. Madison at the Welcome Station on 441. Louisville on US#1. Wrens - US 1 Augusta - at Welcome Stn. I-20 Clarksville (2006) Augusta Council - Hwy 278 Gate I  (2006) Harlem Memory Garden  (Bi-way)  (2005) Greensboro - Hwy 278 &15 North  (2005) Louisville  (2002) Hartwell GC  (2003) Sandersville - Square  (2002) Lincolnton - US 378 & GA 43  (2001) Athens - US78 at GA 53, Bethebara Bapt Church Gounds  (1990) Milledgeville US 441 Hatcher Square  (1980) Ft. Gordon Ent. - US 1 ( this has been lost)   Highway Marker Garden Arts Garden Club HIGHWAY MARKER Permitted on highways and highway rest areas. Overall height when erected is 7’6”. *PRICE:  $1200, includes post and shipping.  Effective June 1, 2008. MEMORIAL MARKER Permitted on the grounds of National Cemeteries, Veteran Administration Medical Centers and any other appropriate civic location, as approved by NGC Blue Star Chairman. *PRICE: $1200, includes post and shipping.  Effective June 1, 2008. BY-WAY MARKER Permitted in parks, historical sites and other civic locations. The plaque is designed for mounting on masonry or wood.  Pre-drilled holes are in each corner for mounting. *PRICE; $395, includes shipping. Effective June 1, 2008. *PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Check with State Blue Star Chairman for current prices. By-Way Marker (Photo used with permission from NCAFGC, Inc.) More information is found on the NGC website, Blue Star Memorial Program page.  NOTE:  THE PRICES FOR THE MARKERS HAVE INCREASED AS LISTED IN THE ABOVE PICTURES, EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2008