Blue Star Memorial Highway A tribute to the Armed
Byron Township, Ogle County, Illinois
Marker Inscription
Blue Star Memorial Highway A tribute to the Armed Forces that have defended the United States of America sponsored by Illinois Garden Club's Blue Star Memorial Fund in cooperation with Dixon Illinois Division of Highways, Nov 4 1970 and The State of Illinois Blue Star Memorial Chairman
Erected by National Garden Clubs, Inc.
The Story
This Blue Star Memorial Highway marker, dedicated in 1970, honors the armed forces that have defended the United States as part of a program the National Garden Clubs began in 1945. The blue star recalls the service flags of the World War II home front, displayed for each family member in uniform. Sponsored by the Illinois Garden Clubs' Blue Star Memorial Fund with the state's highway division, it stands in the farm country of Ogle County.
Why it matters
Blue Star Memorials show a wartime tribute enduring into later generations, as garden clubs kept dedicating markers to honor all who served.
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Related events
- ยท World War II
Themes & tags
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