Yuma Orchid & African Violet Society invites you to attend the first Arizona and Yuma County Gold Star Memorial By-Way Marker dedication. The dedication will be held November 7, 10 a.m., at the Yuma Co. Foothills Community Park, 13340 E. South Frontage Road in the Foothills. Gold Star families are invited to attend. Bring a photo of your loved one lost in the line of duty.

The Blue Star and Gold Star Memorial Marker Program

  • The Blue Star Memorial Marker program began in 1944 with the planting of 8,000 Dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs as a living memorial to veterans of World War II.
  • In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs (now National Garden Clubs, Inc.) adopted the program and began a Blue Star Memorial Highway program placing markers along major highways. Over 70,000 miles across the Continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii are now connected by markers.
  • Blue Star Memorial Markers are placed at appropriate locations along highways throughout America. Plants are added near each marker to create a “living memorial” to our armed forces.
  • In 1981, Blue Star and Gold Star Memorial By-Way Markers were added to the program and are placed in locations away from major highways, such as public parks, gardens and veterans’ cemeteries.
  • Since its inception, garden clubs throughout America have dedicated over 3,000 Blue Star and Gold Star Memorial and By-Way Markers.
  • Blue Star Memorial and By-Way Markers honor men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
  • Gold Star Memorial and By-Way Markers honor families who lost a loved one serving in the armed forces.

By Karen Bowen
Karen is the Pacific Region Butterfly Chairman and member of Yuma Orchid & African Violet Society.

Photo 1 Trisha Payne
Photo-1-Trish-Payne--gold-and-blue-star-markers--Michigan-garden-cl
Gold Star Memorial Markers honor families who lost loved ones serving in our armed forces. Blue Star Memorial Markers honor servicemen and women serving in our armed forces.

Photo 2 Karen Bowen
Photo-2--Karen-Bowen--gold-star
Since 1981, NGC garden clubs have participated in the Gold Star Memorial Marker program.

Photo 3 Wikipedia
Photo-3-Wikipedia-gold-star-
During WWII, families began displaying banners in their windows to show who in their family was serving in the armed forces. Blue stars were for active military and gold stars were for family members who passed away while serving.