Blue Star Memorial Highway A tribute to the Armed

Screven, GA

The Blue Star Memorial program began in 1945, when the New Jersey garden clubs planted dogwoods along a highway to honor service members returning from World War II; the blue star echoed the service flags that hung in the windows of homes with someone in uniform. The idea spread nationwide, and markers like this one in Screven, Georgia, were placed by local garden clubs in cooperation with state highway departments. This tribute was sponsored by the Lily Garden Club with the Georgia DOT and the Garden Club of Georgia.

Marianna, FL

The Blue Star Memorial Highway program grew from a 1945 garden-club effort to honor World War II service members, taking its name from the blue-star service flags families displayed for loved ones in uniform. This Marianna, Florida marker was sponsored by the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs with the state road department and the Marianna Garden Club. It joins thousands of similar tributes lining American highways.

Hardeeville, SC

The Blue Star Memorial Highway program started in 1945 and spread nationwide, honoring the armed forces with markers named for the blue-star service flags of the World War era. This marker in Hardeeville, South Carolina was sponsored by the Garden Club of South Carolina with the state highway department. It ties the Lowcountry into a coast-to-coast chain of remembrance.

Live Oak, FL

Begun in 1945 by the National Garden Clubs, the Blue Star Memorial program honors the armed forces that have defended the United States. The blue star recalls the service flags families displayed during World War II for each relative in uniform. Sponsored by the Live Oak Garden Club and the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, this marker brings that tribute to north Florida's Suwannee County.