THE BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKER
HIGHWAY PROGRAM
Has been honoring the men and women
of the Armed Forces of America
since 1945.
(Click photo to enlarge)
The Blue Star Memorial Marker at Point Lookout*
that will be dedicated July 2, 2007 is the first in
Fayette County, Pennsylvania
The memorials started when the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs planted 8,000 Dogwood trees in 1944 as a living memorial to veterans of World War II. Then The Blue Star Memorial Marker Program of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. began in 1945 to honor the men and women serving in the Armed Forces. The name was chosen for the star on flags displayed in homes and businesses during World War II denoting a family member was serving. The Garden clubs pictured living memorial plantings traversing every state. The designation of Blue Star Highways was achieved through petitions to the state legislatures and cooperation with the Departments of Transportation. A uniform marker was designed to identify the Highways.
The Blue Star Memorial Program expanded to extend thousands of miles across continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii. All men and women who have served, are serving, or will serve in the Armed Forces of the United States are included.
More Markers continue to be dedicated each year on highways, Veterans’ facilities, National Cemeteries, parks, civic and historic sites, showing our appreciation for those who defend our country.
No individual's name may be on the Marker. These markers are designed to pay tribute to the Armed Forces as a whole.
PROCEDURE:
A garden club votes to have a marker. An appropriate location is selected and type of marker for that location is chosen.
Contact the State Blue Star Memorial Chairman for forms and instructions.
Contact local or state authority responsible for location.
Send order form and check to NGC Chairman for processing.
Clubs may solicit other civic organizations to help with funding, construction, planting, and maintenance.
The Markers are made of cast aluminum.
"BLUE STAR MEMORIAL DEDICATION"
"PREPARING FOR THE DEDICATION"
(Click photo to enlarge)
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(Click photo to enlarge)
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Murray Landscaping Crew getting Point Lookout* ready for the Blue Star Memorial ceremony. 
Garden Club Members adding their touch to the landscaping.
"THE DEDICATION CEREMONY"
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At attention for the singing of the National Anthem.
| | Blue Star Flags were handed out to people who
had family members in the military. Garden Club members Linda Glover, unidentified person,
Marian Jarina and Barb Holland are shown
receiving their flags.
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Scarlet Baxter, Blue Star Memorial Dedication Chairperson and Diane Hughes, District X Director.
| | State Senator Richard Kacunic
delivering his remarks during the ceremony.
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Marlene Leslie, Pres. GMGC; Marilyn Whitmore, National Garden Club's Central Atlantic Region Director; Dorothy Yard, President, Garden Club Federation of PA; and Angela Raitano, 1st. Vice President of Federation of PA Garden Club. | | Joe T. Joseph enjoying much deserved refreshments after the ceremony. Scarlet told us that he was the "right hand man" for her and the committee.
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The wreath which was placed by Diane Hughes
and the VFW Yellow Ribbon Princess.
Members of the committee were Scarlet Baxter, Chairperson, Connie Strohm, Barbara Holland, Marlene Leslie and Diane Hughes.
*Point Lookout is now officially named Blue Star Point Lookout.
