Blue Star Memorial marker to be dedicated June 14 | Public Spaces

Area residents are invited to come and celebrate Flag Day, June 14, by attending the dedication of a By-Way Blue Star Memorial Marker hosted by the women of the Westwood Garden Club of Evansville and the Veterans of Foreign War, Post # 1114 located at 110 N. Wabash Avenue. The dedication will take place at 10:00 A.M..  There will be viewing of WW II military vehicles beginning at 9:30.  Light refreshments will be served following the ceremony in the VFW hall.

The Blue Star Memorial program honors service men and women. 

This program 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 II.  In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs 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 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.  This program has been active all through the years to the present, a fitting tribute always and especially now.

The current marker was adopted in 1944 as a By-Way marker and included the words "A tribute to the Armed Forces of America."  These markers can be placed in parks and civil and historical grounds, veterans' facilities and gardens.  The Westwood Garden Club deemed the VFW Post #  1114 as a proper facility to display a By-Way plaque.

Please join us in paying tribute to all of men and women of the armed forces of the United States."