Blue Star and Gold Star Marker Program

During World War II, families displayed Blue Star or Gold Star flags in their windows. A Blue Star meant a loved one was serving in the military. If that person died in service, the Blue Star was changed to a Gold Star. These flags also appeared in churches and businesses. This tradition of honoring military service continues today.

The Blue Star Memorial Marker Program honors all men and women, past, present, and future, who serve in the United States Armed Services. It began 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. In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs (now National
Garden Clubs, Inc.) adopted the program and began a Blue Star Highway system across the United States including Alaska and Hawaii. Along the highways, large metal signs were placed that read:

“A tribute to the Armed Forces who have defended the United States of America.”

Over time, the program grew to include Memorial Markers and By-Way Markers that can be placed at locations such as national cemeteries, veterans’ facilities, parks, and other public spaces.

Since the program's inception in 1944, garden clubs have dedicated over 3500 markers across the country. Georgia has more than 180 markers as our local garden clubs continue to sponsor and support this very worthwhile project.

In 2015 a Gold Star Families Marker was added to the program. It honors families who lost a loved one in a conflict while defending our country. The marker has a Gold Star in place of the Blue Star and reads:

“A tribute to Gold Star Families Who Have Lost a Loved One Defending the United States of America.”

The Gold Star Families mission is to offer honor, hope, and healing through remembering fallen heroes. While their hero paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, survivors live daily with the pain of a lost loved one. This marker helps ensure that the sacrifices made by these families are never forgotten. Georgia currently has 18 Gold Star Families Markers, with plans to add more.

Georgia Garden Clubs have been very supportive of the program by raising money to continue sponsoring markers throughout our state. Click here for additional information about the program and for order forms.

Alan Thiese publishes a blog that contains photos of Blue and Gold Star Marker dedications. Click on the link here to view.

Because these Markers honor our nation’s heroes, Garden Clubs are encouraged to inspect older markers and if needed, have it restored. The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. offers a grant to the seven districts and member clubs/councils for the restoration of Blue Star Markers. Click here for a grant application and more information.

Sewah Studios implemented a new price structure for the markers as of January 1, 2025.

BLUE STAR and GOLD STAR Marker Pricing effective as of January 1, 2025 - December, 31 2025:

MEMORIAL MARKER W/7' POST $2400.00

MEMORIAL MARKER W/10' POST $2515.00

BY-WAY MARKER $765.00

REPLACEMENT 7' POST $375.00

REPLACEMENT 10' POST $475.00

RESTORATION (If done by Sewah Studios -Must be shipped to Sewah) $1200.00

REFURBISHMENT/CAP REPAIR $1450.00

On site restoration is available by Tom Stelling, who owns Historical Markers.

Contact Mr. Stelling at (386) 299-7841 for pricing and/or to schedule a restoration.

www.HistoricalMarkersRestoration.com

Any other questions or to place an order please contact:

Janice (Jan) Thiese – Chairman – Blue Star and Gold Star Marker Program

The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc.

128 Weatherby Drive

Macon, GA 31210

Cell: (478) 319-4234

Email: janicemariemaconga@cox.net