History of the Blue Star Markers

 

 The history of the Blue Star Flag dates back to World War I when in 1917 Captain Robert B. Quiesser, an Ohio National Guard veteran of the Mexican Border, who had two sons serving on the front  is credited with designing the original flag.  This small flag (about 8" X 16") quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in the service. Today families who have a loved one serving in the Armed Forces display the Blue Star Flag in the inside front window of their homes. It shows the family’s pride in their loved one serving in the military and reminds others that preserving America’s freedom demands much. If more than one family member is serving, additional blue stars are added.

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 known as a Service Flag, the blue stands for hope and pride. When family members were killed, the blue star was replaced with a gold one representing sacrifice. During WWII, VFW actively promoted the flag through window cards and the assistance of radio stations. On October 17, 1943, Congress authorized the flag, and in February 1943, the secretary of war approved an official design, A blue star in the center of the red-bordered white rectangle.

The Blue Star Marker Project was inaugurated by the New Jersey Garden Clubs in 1944 by National Garden Clubs, Inc. as a vehicle to honor our armed forces. The garden clubs felt this highway beautification project was an appropriate commemorative memorial to the service men and woman who have fought for our country. While it originally began to honor World War II veterans, it enlarged its mission in 1951 to include all men and women who had served, were serving or would serve in the armed forces of the United States. These markers have been placed on highways and other prominent places from the Atlantic to the Pacific, including Hawaii and Alaska, Blue Star Markers are seen by millions. The name was taken from the Blue Star in the Service Flag in honor of the men and women serving in the Armed Forces during World War II.

The men and women in our Armed Forces fly our skies, sail our seas, protect our land, and guard our shores ensuring our safety. They stand ready at a moments notice to defend, protect, guard and secure our country.

 Garden Club members can be proud of the markers, for they not only honor our service personnel by utilizing appropriate plantings and being sensitive to the landscape needs of the area.  It serves to remind us of the stature of National Garden Clubs, Inc., which had the vision to embrace such a meaningful project. Please consider placing a Blue Star Marker in your community or donating to the TGCI Blue Star Marker Fund. If you need additional information, feel free to contact me.

 

 Katrina Vollmer

TGCI Blue Star Chairman

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