Old Lyme to Dedicate Blue Star, Gold Star Memorials, Nov. 7

OLD LYME, CT – The Duck River Garden Club of Old Lyme, in partnership with the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen, will dedicate new Blue Star and Gold Star Memorial markers at Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m.

The garden club in a news release said the markers honor members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have served, are serving or will serve, as well as families whose loved ones died in military service.

The ceremony will include patriotic music, presentation of the colors, remarks from community leaders, a history of the memorial programs and a tribute to military personnel and Gold Star families. The program will conclude with the formal unveiling of the markers, a flower tribute and Taps.

The project is part of a national program sponsored by National Garden Clubs and coincides with the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The Blue Star Memorial program began in 1944 when the New Jersey State Council of Garden Clubs planted approximately 8,000 dogwood trees along a section of highway as a living memorial to members of the Armed Forces. The concept grew into the nationwide Blue Star Memorial Highway program.

Connecticut’s section of Interstate 95 from New Haven to the Rhode Island border was designated a Blue Star Highway in 1949, and the program later expanded to include Memorial and By-Way markers at civic locations, veterans’ facilities, parks and other sites.

The Gold Star Memorial program was established to honor families who lost loved ones in service to the nation.

The public is invited to attend. For more information about the Duck River Garden Club, visit duckrivergardenclub.org.