California
Veterans Home, Yountville

National Garden Clubs, Inc. adopted the Blue Star Memorial Highway project in 1946. The official design of these first markers was presented to National Council in 1947 featuring the icon of the blue star used on blue star flags. In 1947 California adopted the program and highways 40 and 99 were dedicated. These markers can only be placed on highways that have been dedicated with a resolution through the state assembly. The first five markers were dedicated in 1948. There are now 18 dedicated highways within the state and 58 highway markers. The price, subject to change, is $1130 for either of the two large markers, and $360 for the by-way markers.

There are now three types of markers that honor the men and women in the Armed Forces who have served, are presently serving and will serve in the future. These markers are the highway markers, by-way markers and memorial markers. The memorial markers approved in 1994 are to be placed at National Cemeteries or V.A. Medical Centers. There are eight of these markers in the state. In 2004 NGC by-laws were changed to allow this newest marker to be placed at state veterans hospitals, cemeteries where veterans are buried and other sites, after permission of the national chairman.

Even though the existing three marker types have been redesigned, they still reflect the purpose chosen by members of the National Council; which was to honor members of the Armed Forces and to beautify our country. Keep those blue stars shining lest we forget those who keep us free.

For more information about the Blue Star Memorial Highways in California, please see the Caltrans site.

Your club or community may participate in this program.

CLICK HERE FOR PROCEDURE FOR ORDERING BLUE STAR MEMORIAL

CLICK HERE FOR $250 APPLICATION FOR $250 Grant for Blue Star Memorial By-Way Marker

For applications and shipping details. Please contact Ruth Angevine, CGCI Blue Star Chairman at bluestar@cagardenclubs.org

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