Blue Star Submitted By Linda Redman ~ GCFM Blue Star Chairman Do you know what that blue star means in our Blue Star Markers? "Since World War I a Blue Star Banner displayed in the front window of a home told others that a family member was serving in the Armed Forces. Captain Robert B. Quiesser, an Ohio National Guard Veteran of the Mexican Border (1916), is credited with designing the original flag.. In 1917 the Congressional Record stated: 'The world should know of those who give so much for liberty. The dearest thing in all the world to a father and mother - their children.'" This banner is more commonly know as the Service Flag. The blue star stands for hope and pride. When service members lose their life, the blue star is replaced by a gold star. (If any of you have anyone serving in harms way in the military currently and would like a Service Flag, you can order it by going online to the website for Service Flags.) In 1947 Mrs. Frederick R. Kellogg (NCSGC President 1930-1933) designed the Blue Star Marker using the blue star of the Service Flag as the central point on the markers. Memorial Day is just around the corner and it is time for us to spruce up our markers in our communities. Those Blue Star Markers are our tribute to our military members who have protected and continue to protect the freedoms that we enjoy today. Flowers or shrubs planted, wreaths, flags, or ribbons placed around or near your monument will bring attention to our living memorial . It is also a good time to make sure your markers are in the best condition possible.
GUIDELINES
FOR
BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKERS
2007
NATIONAL GARDEN CLUBS, INC.
4401 MAGNOLIA AVENUE, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63110
PRESIDENT’S GREETINGS
The Blue Star Memorial Program has been in existence through the garden club movement for more than 60 years, and this term National Garden Clubs, Inc. has achieved an all time high for the number of Blue Star Memorials dedicated to our Nation’s Armed Forces across the U. S. Highways.
We can be proud of this “Let Freedom Ring” Program that remembers those who are dedicating their lives for our safety and freedom during this time of war and unrest in the world.
May our Gardening Tapestry show an abundance of red, white and blue around these markers as we keep our service men and women in our thoughts and prayers.
“Embrace Gardening’s Tapestry”
Kitty Larkin, President
NGC, Inc. 2005-2007
Special thanks to Mary Louise Michie, President NGC 1995-1997
FOR HER SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT IN MOVING THE BLUE STAR MEMORIAL PROGRAM FORWARD
And to the
1997 GUIDELINES COMMITTEE
FOR PERPETUATING THE BLUE STAR MEMORIAL PROGRAM
Marjorie D. Johnson, Chairman
NGC Blue Star Memorial Chairman
Mary L. Cochran
NGC Historian
Jimmie Meinhardt
Central Region Blue Star Memorial Chairman
“Each time a Blue Star Memorial Marker is dedicated, we show our love for this beautiful United States of America and our appreciation for the members of the armed services of America.” Mary Louise Michie
TABLE OF CONTENTS
History of Blue Star Memorials………………….……………..Page 1
History of the Banner………………………………………………..Page 2
Past Blue Star Chairmen ..................................Page 2
Specifications of Blue Star Memorial Markers…….…... Page 3
Procedure for Ordering Blue Star Memorial Markers….Page 4
Blue Star Memorial Markers at a National Cemetery...Page 4
Order Form….....………………………………………………… . .Page 5
Sample Resolution…....………………………………………………Page 6
Shipping Information…..………………………………………… …Page 7
Installation of Markers…..………………………………………….Page 8
Planning the Dedication…..………………………………………. Page 9
Program Format Example for Dedication.................Page 9
Dedication Example……………...……………………………… …Page 10
Patriotic Songs………………………....………………………… ….Page 11
Care of Marker……….....…………………………………………… Page 12
Restoration of Large Markers.............................Page 12
Sewah Studios Information ...............................Page 12
NCG Awards for the Blue Star Memorial Markers……...Pages 13,14
Blue Star Points of Interest……….……………………………...Page 14
Maria Nahom, Chairman
March, 2007
HISTORY OF THE BLUE STAR MEMORIALS
PAGE 1
At the close of World War II National Garden Clubs (called National Council of Garden Clubs at the time), like other public spirited groups, was seeking a suitable means of honoring our service men and women. Garden Club members visualized a living memorial, preferring to help beautify and preserve the country these men and women had fought for, rather than build stone monuments in their honor.
In 1944 Mrs. Lewis M. Hull, Garden Club of New Jersey President and future NCSGC President , and Mrs. Vance Hood, Roadside Chairman, had an inspired idea. One thousand flowering Dogwood trees would be planted along five miles of highway, which had been designated the Blue Star Drive by the Legislature. No billboards were to be allowed on the memorial stretch. The project was named for the blue star in the service flag, which hung in windows of homes and businesses to honor service men and women.
The guest speaker at the 1945 National Council of State Garden Clubs Annual Meeting in New York City was Spencer Miller, New Jersey’s State Highway Commissioner, who had helped to implement the New Jersey project. He proposed that the program be adopted by NCSGC. At the 1945 Fall Semi-Annual Meeting, the project was approved. A “ribbon of living memorial plantings traversing every state” called The Blue Star Memorial Highway Program was adopted at the 1946 Annual Meeting in New Orleans.
In 1947 Mrs. Frederick R. Kellogg (NCSGC President 1930-1933) designed a marker, which would identify the highways.
Clubs responded enthusiastically, with Rhode Island receiving the first endorsement. After official approval of the site, garden clubs would purchase markers and planting materials. Highway Departments would plant and maintain the area. This was the first program undertaken by garden clubs on a national scale.
While it originally began to honor World War II veterans, it enlarged its mission in 1951to include all men and women, who had served, were serving or would serve in the armed forces of the United States.
The need for an extension of the program to accommodate other than dedicated highways became apparent. As a result a smaller By-Way Marker, to be placed in areas such as parks, civic and historical grounds, was approved at the 1981 convention in Atlanta. This marker was changed at the 1994 convention in Connecticut to be more descriptive by including the words “A tribute to the Armed Forces of America”.
A third marker had been added at the 1996 convention in Michigan. This marker was identical to the original Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker, except for the removal of the word “Highway”. This change allowed the marker to be placed on the grounds of a National Cemetery or Veterans Administration Center. At the 2004 convention in St. Louis the scope of this marker was enlarged to include other appropriate civic locations.
Since WWI a Blue Star Banner displayed in the front window of a home told others that a family member was serving in the Armed Forces. Captain Robert B. Quiesser, an Ohio National Guard veteran of the Mexican Border, (1916) is credited with designing the original flag. In 1917 the Congressional Record stated: “The world should know of those who give so much for liberty. The dearest thing in all the world to a father and mother – their children.”
Also know as the Service Flag, the blue stands for hope and pride. When service members lost their lives, the blue star was replaced with a gold one representing the sacrifice. A silver star stood for someone invalided home for wounds sustained overseas.
The flag made its appearance again in WWII. On October 17, 1943 Congress authorized the flag, which was approved as an official design.
Although the service flags virtually vanished during the Korean and Vietnam wars, they appeared again during the Persian Gulf War in 1991, the Iraq War and the War on Terror.
Mrs. Vance Hood 1945-1949 New Jersey
Mrs. Joseph Dvorak 1949-1951 Iowa
Mrs. O.S. Seabraugh 1951-1953 Missouri
Mrs. Nicholas Mertens 1953 New York
Mrs. Frank Neal 1953-1957 Colorado
Mrs. Truman Sanders 1957-1959 New Mexico
Mrs. A.L. Kouns 1959-1961 West Virginia
Mrs. J. B. Daughtridge 1961-1963 North Carolina
Mrs. R. Erven Day 1963-1965 Utah
Mrs. Henry C. Prange 1965-1975 Indiana
Mrs. Anthony Bennet 1975-1983 New Jersey
Mrs. Robert Kramer 1983-1985 Illinois
Mrs. Clarence Henderson 1985-1987 1989-1995 Kentucky
Mrs. James Vine 1987-1989 Alabama
Mrs. Marjorie Johnson 1995-2001 California
Mrs. Maria Nahom 2001-2007 Connecticut
Mrs. Jimmie Meinhardt 2007- Missouri
PAGE 3
SPECIFICATIONS
HIGHWAY MARKER
Permitted on highways and highway rest areas.
Overall height when erected is 7’6”.
Marker size is approximately 41” high by 45”wide (inside plate is 30”x42), cast aluminum, identical both sides. Lettering is raised relief; emblem is modeled relief; prismatic star. Caption lines 2½”; narrative 1½”; Signature lines 1”. Baked enamel finish.
COLOR: Polychrome background (copper center shading to drab olive green); gold leaf letter faces and emblem border rings. Star is blue.
POST: Aluminum, octagonal, 35 pound weight. Length is 7’, designed for 3’ insertion in the ground.
PRICE: $1130, includes post and shipping
MEMORIAL MARKER
Permitted on the grounds of National Cemeteries, Veteran Administration Medical Centers and any other appropriate civic location, as approved by NGC Blue Star Chairman.
All details of Highway marker apply. Both markers are delivered with 8 set-screws.
PRICE: $1130, includes post and shipping
BY-WAY MARKER
Permitted in parks, historical sites and other civic locations.
Plaque is 12” high by 20” wide of cast aluminum with 1” lettering in raised relief. Tribute lettering is 5/8”, National Garden Clubs, Inc. is printed on bottom of each marker in 3/8” lettering. COLOR: same as Highway and Memorial Marker.
Designed for mounting on masonry or wood. Pre-drilled holes are in each corner for mounting.
PRICE; $360, includes shipping.
PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Check with State Blue Star Chairman for current prices.
IMPORTANT: No marker may bear a single person’s name. These markers are designed to pay tribute to the ARMED FORCES AS A WHOLE.
BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKER AT A NATIONAL CEMETERY: The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery System, Washington, DC has approved our design and will facilitate placement. They may be contacted c/o Technical Support Service, 401B, Washington, DC 20420.
ORDER FORM – BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKERS
HIGHWAY MARKER____ MEMORIAL MARKER____ BY-WAY MARKER____
ORDERED BY: __________________________________________________________
(Club or District)
NAME: ________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________
CITY: _______________________________ STATE: ___________ZIP CODE: ______
TELEPHONE: ____________________ E-MAIL _______________________________
SHIP TO: ______________________________ CONTACT NAME ________________
(Business address receiving during normal business hours - Mandatory for large markers) _______________________________ TELEPHONE____________________________
_______________________________
HIGHWAY OR MEMORIAL MARKER Instruction:
1. Clearly type or print exact name(s) for the following. 3. Use only 4 out of the 5 lines below.
2. Letters must be in Upper & Lower case conventions. 43 spaces each line maximum.
SPONSORED BY
IN COOPERATION WITH
________________________________________________________________________
AND
BY-WAY MARKER Instructions:
1. Clearly type or print Club or District name(s). 3. Maximum spaces: one line 19 1” letters.
2. Letters must be in Upper & Lower case conventions. two lines 28 5/8” letters.
ORDER APPROVED BY: (Signatures)
State Chairman ____________________________ Date ___________________
State President ____________________________ Date ___________________
National Chairman _________________________ Date __________________
MAKE CHECK PAYALE TO SEWAH STUDIOS
State Chairman will mail check & order forms in triplicate to NGC Chairman (revised 2/07)
(For a Highway Marker on a Dedicated Highway)
Whereas: The Blue Star Memorial Highway was projected by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. as a living tribute to the men and women of the Nation’s Armed Forces.
Whereas: It is fitting and appropriate that further recognition be accorded the services and sacrifices of our citizens so valiantly rendered.
And whereas: the Blue Star Memorial Highway of (State)______________________is sponsored by (name of club)________________________________in cooperation with the Highway Commission.
Therefore, be it resolved that the scope of the Blue Star Memorial Highway be extended to include additional routes, as follows:
(name route or segment of route)_____________________________________________
Be it further resolved that this resolution be spread upon minutes of________________,
And a copy of the same sent to the State Highway Commission as tangible evidence of our official petition to them that they designate the above mentioned route as part of The Blue Star Memorial Highway, for due consideration and action by the Commission and notification of such action to this organization.
Signed____________________________________
President of________________________________
2. Highway and Memorial markers must be shipped to a commercial address, not to a residential address, because of the difficulty large motor freight carriers may encounter on residential streets.
3. By-Way Markers may be sent to a residential address. They are delivered by UPS and should not be consigned to a post office box or rural route.
error is discovered, Sewah Studios will correct it. The marker may, in this case, be sent back to Sewah Studios collect. Sewah Studios guarantees the accuracy and quality of workmanship of their product.
The Blue Star marker is delivered with eight set-screws in the mounting base of the marker. Once the marker is placed on the post, installation is completed by tightening these set-screws using an allen wrench. Proper marker alignment is achieved by adjusting the mounting screws.
All posts are made of extruded aluminum. The 7 foot, octagonal post is designed for a 36 inch insertion in the ground. To install, dig a hole 3 feet deep, approximately 12 inches in diameter, with a post-hole digger. Place the post in the center of the hole and use a level to plumb. Place the dirt back in the hole tamping it tightly around the post as the hole is filled. Fill to about 6 inches below the surface. The hole can be filled with cement, but it is not necessary and complicates removal if it needs to be replaced.
If using cement, cut the bottom out of a 5 gallon plastic bucket and place it down over the post to create a form for the cement. Fill the top of the hole with cement and bring the level up about 4 to 6 inches above the ground. This will give a round curb around the base to help keep mowers clear.
Sit the marker on the post, tighten the set-screws and installation is complete.
A simple procedure can be done to theft-proof the marker. After the set-screws are adjusted and the marker is precisely positioned, use an electric drill to ream the flat surfaces out of the inside of the set-screws. Once this is done, the only way to get the marker off the post is to drill the set-screws out completely. Most thieves won’t risk getting caught while doing this.
Marker installation is quick and simple. One person can do it with no problem.
NOTE: Sewah Studios marker posts are not designed to be installed in the right of way of state or federal highways. They are not break away posts and are recommended to be installed at least 50 feet from the highway.
[Information received from David T. Smith, President of Sewah Studios.]
DO NOT SET A DATE FOR THE DEDICATION UNTIL ASSURED THE MARKER WILL ARRIVE ON TIME. Please allow two months for delivery of the marker from the time the order is received by Sewah Studios.
After setting the dedication date, proceed with invitations and program.
As soon as possible, send invitations to: The NGC President, NGC Blue Star Memorial Chairman, State Blue Star Memorial Chairman, State President, District Director, State Executive Board, local garden club members, organizations involved in the project, appropriate city or state officials, and veterans groups.
Invitations should include date, time, place, sponsoring group, travel instructions and an RSVP name and address. The club may wish to include a brief description of the Blue Star Memorial Marker Program or club’s Blue Star Project. To insure a well-attended event allow enough time for busy schedules and travel time.
The club may also make arrangements for publicity and a printed program, if desired. An example of a program may be seen below.
A reception to follow the ceremony may also be planned.
SUGGESTED FORMAT FOR A BLUE STAR MARKER DEDICATION
MUSIC - Band from school, military base, local organizations or taped music
A Patriotic song may be included in any order at discretion of chairman.
WELCOME – Master of Ceremony
PRESENTATION OF COLORS – Scouts or military group
INVOCATION – Local clergyman
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND OFFICIALS – Greetings and comments from
NGC representatives, government or military officials
HISTORY OF BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKERS
MILITARY TRIBUTE – Representatives from our Armed Forces, American Legion, or
Veterans of Foreign Wars
UNVEILING OF MARKER
DEDICATION OF MARKER
ACCEPTANCE OF MARKER – Person representing organization involved in
maintenance of the marker
TRIBUTE OF FLOWERS – May be a wreath at the base of marker
BENEDICTION – Or closing
TAPS
HOSPITALITY - Refreshments
DEDICATION OF BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKER
We are here to pay tribute to our Armed Forces. While we go about our daily lives or while we sleep, the men and women in our Armed Forces fly our skies, sail our seas and guard our shores, ensuring our safety.
They stand ready at a moment’s notice to defend our Country. We must not forget them, and, WE DO NOT! WE REMEMBER with every step of the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. WE REMEMBER with every drumbeat on the Fourth of July.
We pledge allegiance to our flag and WE REMEMBER. At the sound of Reveille, WE REMEMBER, and as the last lingering note of Taps resounds in the distance, WE REMEMBER.
And REMEMBERING today, we dedicate this Blue Star Marker to the honor and glory of all those men and women who have served, are now serving, and will serve in the Armed Forces of this great Nation.
It is with pride that the National Garden Clubs, Inc. joins with _____________________
to perpetuate our Blue Star Memorial Program with this marker, which stands as a symbol for:
ALL TO SEE
LEST WE FORGET
THOSE WHO HELP TO KEEP US FREE
(Last sentence attributed to Polly Henderson, Louisville, KY, past Blue Star Chairman)
To request a military speaker, click on www.speakers.dod.mil for an online form. The Department of Defense Speaker’s Bureau is a public outreach program designed to assist communities in locating uniformed members of the Armed Forces to speak.
PAGE 11 Patriotic Songs
AMERICA, THE BEAUTIFUL
Words by Katherine Lee Bates: Music by Samuel A. Ward
O beautiful for spacious skies.
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain.
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern impassioned stress,
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness
America! America!
God mend thine ev’ry flaw
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law.
O beautiful for patriot dream,
That sees beyond the years,
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears,
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Words and Music by Irving Berlin
God bless America,
Land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America
My home, sweet home,
God Bless America
My home, sweet home.
The brown spot in the center of the Highway and Memorial Markers is a feature of the polychrome finish. It was intended to weather to give the appearance of rust as the marker ages. This was the style approved by National Garden Clubs, Inc., and all markers have been finished in this manner since Sewah Studios began manufacturing them.
Sewah Studios advises using mild soap and water to brighten letters on all markers.
Paint information may be obtained from Sewah Studios.
RESTORATION OF LARGE MARKERS
PLEASE INFORM STATE AND NATIONAL BLUE STAR CHAIRMAN OF PLANNED RESTORATIONS.
When Sewah Studios refurbishes a marker, they sand blast all the old finish down to bare metal. Scratches, bullet holes, gouges, etc. are repaired. The markers are then finished just like a new one. That entails applying an undercoat of zinc chromate. A coat of copper is applied, followed by two coats of shading green, leaving a copper spot in the center. Each coat of background paint is baked dry in a 300 degree oven. The marker is then baked again to set the gold leaf and dry the blue.
The 2007 charge for restoration is $750, which includes shipping both ways. If a new post is needed, the cost is $300. Check with State Blue Star Chairman for current price, as it is subject to change.
Club representative notifies Sewah Studios to expect the marker and club ships it directly to their shipping address.
SHIPPING ADDRESS:
SEWAH STUDIOS
190 Mill Creek Road
Marietta, OH 45750
MAILING ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 298
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: 740-373-2087
Fax: 740-373-3733
Email: sewah@sprynet.com
Website: www.sewahstudios.com
NGC AWARDS FOR BLUE STAR MARKERS
Note: This award if for landscaping, not the dedication ceremony.
#29 BLUE STAR MEMORIAL LANDSCAPING
Certificates of Merit may be awarded for the most outstanding Blue Star Memorial Marker landscaping projects. The marker and landscaping may be part of a highway department rest area maintained by the department. The project may have been continuous, but major landscaping must be completed within two years. The project may be a replacement or a destroyed or long neglected landscape.
D. State Garden Club – i small club, ii medium club, iii large club
D. State Garden Club – i small club, ii medium club, iii large club
3. BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKER at National Cemetery, Veterans
Facility or other civic location
A. Single member garden club – i small club, ii medium club, iii large club
B. Group of member clubs
D. State Garden Club – i small club, ii medium club, iii large club
SCALE OF POINTS FOR ALL NGC AWARDS (exceptions: Publications and Communications, Flower Shows Achievement)
Presentation 5 pts neat, concise, includes all required information, not to exceed 6 pages.
Achievement 65 pts scope of project, need and fulfillment, benefit, accomplishment, comprehensiveness of work, activities to attain goals, evaluation of goals reached, educational, prior planning, very brief history if continuing project, financial report, other.
Participation 15 pts size of club; involvement of: members, community, government agencies, professionals, youth, residents in facilities, others.
Record or Documentation 15 pts supporting data (as applicable), clear well-labeled and neatly attached before and after photographs, landscape plan, financial report, letters of appreciation, community awards, newspaper/magazine articles, radio or TV script, etc. Photocopies are permitted.
The AWARDS YEAR is January 1 to December 31 annually. Application forms may be obtained from the State Awards Chairman. Further information may be obtained from the State Awards Chairman, State Blue Star Chairman or NGC Blue Star Chairman.
CATEGORIES BY SIZE
GARDEN CLUB applications shall be judged according to size determined by number of members on whom NGC and state dues are paid, including Active, Associate, Inactive, Honorary, etc.
i small club: under 29 members
ii medium club: 30-99 members
iii large club: over100 members
STATE GARDEN CLUBS applications shall be judged according to size determined by number of members on whom NGC dues are paid, including garden club members, Affiliates, State Life Members, etc.
i small club: under 1999 members
ii medium club: 2000-5999 members
Iii large club: over 6000 members
The importance attached to the Blue Star Memorial Program was underlined when the NGC President’s pin, designed in 1952, contained seven diamonds and one large sapphire, symbolic of the program.
The first year after it was adopted in 1946, seven states led by Rhode Island had joined the Blue Star Memorial Highway system. By1949, 33 of then 41 state garden clubs, had established routed and more than 16,000 miles had been dedicated.
For the 1949 20th Anniversary Celebration of NGC (NCSGC at the time), a grove of giant redwood had been purchased as an anniversary gift. The grove is located at what was then the western terminus of the Blue Star Highway in Humboldt County, CA.
2006 was a banner year for the Blue Star Program, with the greatest number of markers -252 - ever ordered in one year.