This Blue Star Marker was installed and dedicated on Old 41 in Bonita Springs.
The Gulf Coast Garden Club (GCGC) dedicated the first Blue Star Marker on Old US 41 and Reynolds in Bonita Springs recently. The GCGC adopted the Blue Star Marker Program and for four years raised funds for the marker through plant sales, raffles, and support from sponsors—Pelican Landing Dental and Driftwood Gardens Center—in order to purchase the marker. The City of Bonita Springs donated the ground and placement of the marker.
The Blue Star Memorial Program honors servicemen and women. The 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 the program and began a Blue Star Highway System, which covers thousands of miles across the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. A large metal Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker is placed at appropriate locations along the way.
The Blue Star Marker Program has been expanded to include all men and women who served, were serving or would serve in the armed services of the United States. 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, as well as in churches and businesses.
The purpose of the Blue Star Memorial Highway program is to erect highway markers at roadside rest stops, vista points historical sites, and other appropriate areas to pay tribute to all who have served, those who are presently serving, and those who will serve in the nation’s armed forces.
Mayor Rick Steinmeyer accepts the National Garden Clubs, Inc., certificate of the Blue Star Marker from FFGC President Marge Herndon.
The GCGC became a member of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, comprising both experienced and novice gardeners and designers. Membership is open to everyone. The Gulf Coast Garden Club provides education, resources, local, state, and national opportunities for its members to promote the love of gardening, floral design, civic, and environmental responsibility.
Local garden clubs have adopted the program and have begun installing markers at appropriate locations. The GCGC, on hiatus during the summer, will resume meetings on the second Monday in October. The meetings are held from 9 a.m. until noon at the Unity Church, 28285 Imperial Parkway, Bonita Springs. Educational programs include both agricultural and design information.
Gulf Coast Garden Club members and guests with the newly dedicated Blue Star Marker on Old 41 in Bonita Springs.
For more information about GCGC go to the website gulfcoastgardenclub.org or gulfcoastgardenclub@gmail.com.
