The Blue Star Memorial Program

The National Garden Clubs, Inc. have had a program in place to honor service men and women since 1945. It's the Blue Star Memorial Program, and it began with the planting of 8,000 Dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs in 1944 as a living memorial to veterans of World War 11. The following year the National Council of State Garden Clubs, as it was called at the time, adopted the program and began a Blue Star Highway system, which covers thousands of miles across the Continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii. A large metal Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker was placed at appropriate locations along the way.

The program was expanded to include all men and women who had served, were serving or would serve in the armed services of the United States. Memorial Markers and By-Way markers were added to the Highway Markers, to be used at locations such as National cemeteries, parks, veteran's facilities and gardens.

The Blue Star became an icon in World War 11 and was seen on flags and banners in homes for sons and daughters away at war, as well as in churches and businesses.

This program has been active all through the years to the present, a fitting tribute always and especially now. Many states and regions have been very dedicated, but there is room for growth in some areas.

ALL TO SEE, LEST WE FORGET,
THOSE WHO HELP TO KEEP US FREE

Location of Alaska Blue Star Markers

Anchor Point -16 miles from Kenai

Anchorage  - 6^th & Juneau

Fairbanks  - Weeks Field

Juneau  - Public Library Triangle (Jct S Franklin & Marine Hwy)

Ketchikan –Ak Marine Highway Terminal

Tok  - Visitors Center Jct SR1 & 2