In the aftermath of World War II, the National Garden Clubs, then the National Council of State Garden Clubs, sought to commemorate the service of America’s military. Initially dedicated to honouring World War II veterans, the Blue Star Markers program broadened its scope in 1951 to encompass all past, present, and future members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The program’s core mission remains: to recognize and honour the sacrifices of these service members, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Exploring the true personal impact of these memorials on veterans revealed profound insights that reminds all US citizens of their sacrifice.
Roy Miller of Buckhannon, WV, a Navy Seabee in Da Nang, Vietnam (1966-1969), shared his tour with two brothers serving concurrently in the Army. A family steeped in military service, Miller witnessed the cold reception veterans faced upon their return, a painful chapter in his life. He believes the Blue Star and Gold Star markers stand as a crucial public testament to the ongoing dedication of those who protect our nation.
Burlin Wright, USMC (1967-1971), Parsons, WV, finds deep meaning in the Blue Star, a constant reminder of his service in Dong Ha, Vietnam, and the turbulent homecoming that followed. Assigned to control anti-war protests upon his return, his experience was far from peaceful. For Burlin, the marker represents a crucial recognition of his sacrifices and commitment to his country.
Driven by a profound respect and a desire to honor his military heritage, Elkins native Ashton White, accepted into the US Naval Academy’s class of 2025, spearheaded the revitalization of his town’s Blue Star Markers. Recognizing their significance as symbols of sacrifice, Ashton, with the support of his mother Tonya, his sisters, and dedicated community volunteers, undertook a year-long landscaping project. This transformative effort restored the three memorials, ensuring they stand as prominent and cherished landmarks.
Betty Gribble, a member of the Stargazers Garden Club in Rock Cave and a descendant of numerous military veterans, recognized the absence of a Gold Star Marker, a memorial honouring families of fallen service members. She initiated and successfully led a fund raising campaign to bring a Gold Star Memorial marker to the Rock Cave town park, ensuring the sacrifices of these families are acknowledged.
A retired Lieutenant Colonel and Chief Nurse with the West Virginia Air National Guard, Morgantown nurse practitioner Sam Cotton also served as an examiner flight nurse. Eight days after the invasion in Gulf War I, she was in Kuwait serving in her roles as Commander and Senior Flight Nurse, she directly experienced the harsh realities of war during her deployment where she flew and cared for wounded troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Germany. Witnessing the profound impact of conflict while caring for injured American soldiers with limited resources, she emphasizes that Blue Star Memorials act as both a reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and a symbol of pride and deep gratitude for veterans, particularly those struggling with the aftermath of war, for their service in protecting all citizens.
Blue Star and Gold Star Memorials, initially conceived to honor WWII veterans, have evolved into vital symbols recognizing the sacrifices of all U.S. service members and their families. These markers serve not only as historical tributes but also as crucial public affirmations of veterans’ dedication and the profound impact of their service, reminding us all of the ongoing debt we owe to those who protect our nation. Thank a Veteran today.
