Blue Star Memorial Marker Program

The Azalea Garden Club’s two year project to renovate the historic Blue Star marker at the Enterprise Welcome Center concluded on June 19, 2007.  the garden Club welcomed dignitaries and guests to a rededication ceremony to honor all men and women who have served and will serve in the military.

District VII garden clubs installed and dedicated the marker twenty years ago.  The marker had fallen in to disrepair over the years.  Jean Wilks, 2005-2007 Azalea Garden Club President, applied for and received a $500.00 beautification grant from The Principal Financial Group and National Garden Clubs, Inc.; the club matched this grant and refurbished the marker and created a garden at the site.

The Blue Star Memorial Program of National Garden Clubs, Inc. began in 1945 to honor the men and women serving in the Armed Forces during World War II.  The name was chosen for the star on flags displayed in homes and businesses denoting a family member being in the service.

Garden clubs envisioned a ribbon of living memorial signs and plantings traversing every state.  The Blue Star Highway designation was achieved through petitions to  state legislatures and cooperation with the Departments of Transportation.  A uniform marker was designed to identify the highways. 

This program grew to extend thousands of miles across the continental United States, 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.

Markers continue to be erected and dedicated each year on highways, at Veteran’s facilities, National Cemeteries, parks, civic and historic sites to show our appreciation for those who defend our country.