A Blue Star Memorial Marker dedication ceremony was held on May 8 in Greensboro.
The ceremony, sponsored by the Greensboro Garden Club in cooperation with the Greensboro City Council and the Garden Club of Georgia, officially placed a marker for the Blue Star Memorial Program, which honors all veterans who have served, are serving, or will serve in the United States Armed Forces.
The marker symbolizes, “All to see lest we forget those who help to keep us free.”
Guests were welcomed by Greensboro Garden Club President Vickie Haney, who Garden Club of Georgia President Diane Hunter then followed.
Following the invocation from Deacon Greg Ollick of Christ Our King and Savior Catholic Church, the Greene County High School AFJROTC presented the colors under the direction of TSGT Dennis Merrion. Greensboro Garden Club Treasurer Ann Wright recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem was led by the Greene County High School Invincible Tiger Marching Band, directed by Isaac Boone.
The keynote speaker was Sheila Patterson, a retired U.S. Navy captain, and the history of the Blue Star Marker was given by Cheryl Martin.
A dedication by Jan Thiese followed the Presentation of Certificates. Certificates were presented to Greensboro City Councilmember Cynthia Rivers and Hunter. U.S. Army veteran Ed McQuown and Greensboro Street Department Supervisor Shilmarker Smith unveiled the marker, which Cheryl Martin accepted.
The Invincible Tiger Marching Band then performed the Military Cadence, followed by the Tribute of Flowers from Azalea District Director Jan Stewart. Deacon Greg Ollick blessed the marker and gave a closing prayer. The dedication ceremony concluded with closing remarks by Jan Thiese.
Both the Blue Star and Gold Star became icons in World War II. The Blue Star was displayed on the flag for those serving and those killed in service, and was replaced with the Gold Star that continues to this day. Now, the program has been expanded to include all men and women who have served, are serving, or will serve in the United States Armed Forces.
Garden clubs across the U.S. have dedicated over 3,500 Blue Star markers along highways, at national cemeteries, veterans’ facilities, parks, and civic locations, and to date, there are over 180 Blue Star Markers throughout Georgia. The Gold Star Families Marker was added in 2015, which states: “A tribute to Gold Star families who have lost a loved one defending the United States of America.”
The Gold Star Families’ mission is to offer honor, hope, and healing through remembering fallen heroes. In Georgia, there are 17 Gold Star Families markers.
Georgia garden clubs have raised money to continue sponsoring markers throughout the state to show their love and support for those who fight for Americans’ freedoms and those who have lost their lives in service to the country.
“Thank you for sharing this special time with us to honor our veterans — all who served, are serving, or will serve in the United States Armed Forces,” a Blue Star representative said.
Organizers thanked the supporters and sponsors of the Greensboro Blue Star Marker: Rex Bishop, Lockerly Arboretum; Lynn Mills, Landscape Design; Matt Fulton, Willow Oak Landscaping; National Garden Clubs, Inc.; Augusta Council of Garden Clubs; Artistic Ornamental Iron Works; Harbor Club, Inc; Holcombs BBQ; Christian Outreach Thrift Store; Wildflower 301 Event Center; Betsy and Charles Wagner; Greensboro street, water and police departments; and the mayor and city manager of Greensboro.