The Central District of Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs has initiated an effort to purchase a Blue Star Memorial that they would like to place at Tahoma Cemetery. The members of the Garden Club and representatives of the local VFW have met with City staff to discuss the memorial. City staff is in favor of placing the memorial within Tahoma Cemetery.
The Blue & Gold Star Memorials Program honors all men and women that have served in the United States Armed Services. This program began with the planting of 8,000 Dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs in 1944 as a living memorial to veterans of World War II. In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs adopted this program and began a Blue Star Highway system that covers thousands of miles across the Continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii with metal Blue Star Memorial Highway Markers placed at appropriate locations along the way.
The program has expanded to include all men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed services of the United States. Memorial Markers and By-Way markers were added to the Highway Markers, to be used at locations such as National cemeteries, parks, veteran's facilities and gardens.
The Blue Star became an icon in World War II and was seen on flags and banners in homes for sons and daughters away at war, and in churches and businesses. This program is a fitting tribute to our Armed Forces. Central District of Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs has requested that the Blue Star Memorial be placed near the Veterans section of Tahoma Cemetery. Cemetery staff will install the memorial and a dedication is planned for Veteran’s Day 2020. Attached is the Agreement with the Central District of Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs and a photo of a Blue Star Memorial. |