Blue Star Memorial Highway A tribute to the Armed
Oregon City, Clackamas County, Oregon
Marker Inscription
Blue Star Memorial Highway A tribute to the Armed Forces that have defended the United States of America sponsored by Clackamas District No.15. Oregon State Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc.in cooperation with Oregon State Highway Department Oregon State Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. and The Garden Clubs of Clackamas District No.15.
Erected by National Garden Clubs, Inc.
The Story
The Blue Star Memorial Highway program began in 1945 and spread across the country, honoring the armed forces with markers named for the blue-star service flags of the World Wars. This Oregon City marker was placed by Clackamas District No. 15 of the Oregon State Federation of Garden Clubs with the state highway department. It ties a historic Willamette Valley town, long a landmark of the Oregon Trail's end, into a national memorial tradition.
Why it matters
It shows how communities across every state adopted a shared symbol to give lasting public honor to military service.
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