The Blue Star Memorial Marker Program
The Blue Star Memorial Marker Program was adopted in 1945 by National Garden Clubs, Inc. (formerly National Council Of State Garden Clubs, Inc.), to honor the men and women of the Armed Forces of WWII. This program was the first nation-wide beautification program initiated by National Garden Clubs. Highways were dedicated as Blue Star Memorial Highways, with a marker surrounded by gardens along thousands of miles throughout our country.
The Blue Star program was later expanded to pay tribute to "All who have served, are serving and will serve" and memorial signs may be placed at veterans facilities, national cemeteries, parks, and many other civic locations.
There are markers in Danbury at the Exit 5 ramp off of I-84, in Newtown, CT, and in Durham, CT. In addition, another marker is being planned to replace the original one on US 1, which was moved to I-95, and later broken.
Due to renewed patriotism, many new signs are being placed every month. For information or to become part of this exciting program, please contact CT Chairman, Susan Parr or NGC Chairman Maria Nahom.
Connecticut Blue Star Memorial Markers
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 Mary Gray, National Projects/Patriotic Trees Chairman for FGCCT, dedicates a tree at the site of the Durham Blue Star memorial. |
This Blue Star Marker in Durham, CT, given by the Durham Garden Club, was dedicated on November 9, 2006
 Federated Garden Clubs' Meg Bremer, left, and Lois Gough, right at the September, 2004 dedication of the Blue Star Memorial Highway marker, given by the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, at the Welcome Center of the I-95 Rest Stop in Westbook. As part of its roadside planting program, FCG established a bed of native roses on the same site in 2000 with a grant, in part, from National Garden Clubs and the Shell Oil Co. |