National Garden Clubs Inc. Honors
U.S. Servicemen and Servicewomen
Through Ongoing Blue Star Memorial Program

May 20, 2008 - ST. LOUIS –National Garden Clubs Inc., a not-for-profit organization with more than 209,000 members and 6,300 member clubs across the nation, has placed more than 1,640 markers to honor U.S. servicemen and servicewomen through the organization’s Blue Star Memorial program. The attractive metal markers can be seen in national cemeteries, parks, government facilities, veterans homes and hospitals, and along highways across the nation.

“As Americans remember our nation’s past and present servicemen and servicewomen this coming Memorial Day, National Garden Clubs Inc. is honored to play a visible role through our Blue Star Memorial program,” says Barbara D. May, president, National Garden Clubs Inc.

The NGC’s Blue Star Memorial program is named for the iconic “blue star,” which was displayed on banners and flags in homes, churches and businesses across the U.S. to recognize sons and daughters serving overseas in World War II. The program was launched 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. The following year, the NGC adopted and expanded the program by initiating the Blue Star Highway system, which involves placing permanent memorial markers along the nation’s highways.

National Garden Clubs Inc. is the largest volunteer organization of its type in the world. Founded in 1929, the NGC offers extensive educational programs and resources to promote gardening and environmental responsibility. The NGC is headquartered in St. Louis, adjacent to the world-famous Missouri Botanical Garden. For more information on the NGC, visit www.gardenclub.org.

Download the NGC Blue Star Memorial press release as a Word document.