Please visit Sally at Smiling Sally for Blue Monday. If you are in love with the color blue, don't miss a visit to Sally's blog today.
I am a member of the Franklin Garden Club. Flowers and gardening are my passion. I joined the garden club to be a part of the beautification of our community. The one thing that always got my attention was the various garden club projects that our garden club sponsered. I wanted to be a part of such an organization.
The program I am featuring today is a wonderful tribute to the men and women who serve in our armed forces.
See the following information to learn more:
The Blue Star Memorial Marker Program
The Blue Star Memorial Marker Program was adopted in 1945 by National Garden Clubs, Inc. (formerly National Council Of State Garden Clubs, Inc.), to honor the men and women of the Armed Forces of WWII. This program was the first nation-wide beautification program initiated by National Garden Clubs. Highways were dedicated as Blue Star Memorial Highways, with a marker surrounded by gardens along thousands of miles throughout our country.
The Blue Star program was later expanded to pay tribute to "All who have served, are serving and will serve" and memorial signs may be placed at veterans facilities, national cemeteries, parks, and many other civic locations.
This photo I am sharing for Blue Monday is in the city of Franklin, NC.
I bet you have seen these markers many times and didn't realize garden clubs all over the US sponser these markers as a tribute to our armed forces.
This one is a marker I have seen numerous times and only recently I discovered that our garden club is a sponser along with the Department of Transportation.
I am very proud to be a part of this project.
God bless our armed forces.
Love, Jeanne
what a wonderful way to be involved,,,,
xo
penny
Posted by: Penny @ The Comforts of Home and Lavender Hill Studio | January 02, 2011 at 10:40 PM
The Garden Clubs across the USA have made such contributions to their communities and to this country one community at a time. I've never seen this sign or heard of the Blue Star Memorial. How neat! I will be on the watch for them in Texas. I've never been a Garden Club Member, but have always thought I'd like to be! Now that I'm retired...sorta...I might! I bet your Garden Club was thrilled to have you for a member.
Looks like everyone in Blogland is getting the New Year off with lots of NotResolutions but OneWords...mine is 'Challenge'! I think I can work that into just about everything I do. Happy New Year and Happy Gardening!
Posted by: Sue | January 03, 2011 at 07:14 AM
Good morning and happy Blue Monday, dear Jeanne. I'll be heading out the door to work in just a minute, but I had to stop in to see you first.
There was a problem with your button this morning, but I fixed it. If anyone tells you your button they put on their blog isn't working, just tell them it is fixed and to reinstall the code.
Your garden club is lucky to have you.♥
Posted by: Beverly | January 03, 2011 at 07:24 AM
Yes, I've seen these markers, but I've never known the background information.
Thanks to people like you, we all have a more beautiful country.
Happy Blue Monday, Jeanne.
Posted by: Sally | January 03, 2011 at 09:38 AM
I didn't realize the magnitude or distance of this project, and applaud it wholeheartedly. Our men and women of all branches of the Military are thankful for each and every good wish, honor, prayer, and acknowledgement of their service.
And their families thank you, as well. There's no better tribute than the good will and good wishes of others, and the growing, living plants and gardens are a wonderful means of remembrance.
I hope you're having good weather and good health so far away, and wish you a wonderful New Year, Sweetpea!
rachel
Posted by: racheld | January 03, 2011 at 09:46 AM
The garden club in our town does so many wonderful projects. We are all grateful for their dedication. Great post. Hugs.
Posted by: Donnie | January 03, 2011 at 10:05 AM
Happy Blue Monday, Jeanne. I know the Garden Club members were the ones overjoyed when you joined them....they are the lucky ones to have you.
I had no idea about the Blue Star Memorial Markers!!! I will be on the lookout for them now. . . thanks to you!
I met with the Breakfast Group this a.m....we had lots to catch up on. Then I bought a water filter too replace the one in my fridge. It's the first time I've done that and the fridge is 5 1/2 years old. Every time the light on the front of the fridge came on with the words "reset water filter" I just thought I was doing that by pushing the button!! DUH!!! Anyway, when it came on this time, I actually replaced the filter. Those babies are expensive....another reason for not replacing them every 6 mo to a year!! :)
Have a great rest of the day!!
L, Dana
Posted by: dana | January 03, 2011 at 02:43 PM
What a great thing the garden club has done...I would like to join such a club I think...I'll have to look into that! Happy New Year!!
Posted by: Linda | January 03, 2011 at 02:44 PM
What a perfect tribute for blue Monday! Very nice. I love gardening too!
Posted by: Shirley Corwin | January 03, 2011 at 08:46 PM
What a neat thing to be a part of and a wonderful tribute. Happy 2011!
Posted by: Joy | January 03, 2011 at 09:16 PM
Great shots Jeanne.
A Blessed New Year!
Posted by: Regina | January 03, 2011 at 10:35 PM