The San Saba Garden Club observed Veterans’ Day Thursday, November 11th, by placing a red, white, and blue wreath adorned with flags and flowers on the Blue Star Highway marker east of San Saba near the nature park. This gesture was our way of honoring our US Military Veterans. Veterans related to Garden Club members were invited to attend along with others, by Jacqueline Carlson, Chairman of the SS Garden Club Blue Star Memorial Committee. The brief program on the beautiful fall day began with a welcome by SS Garden Club president, Debbie Shahan. Neal Alexander offered a touching prayer of thanks and remembrance of our US Veterans and those serving in the military at this time who are sacrificing their lives for our freedoms. Local veterans present and speaking to the group were Dr. Scott Snyder, Walter Ingman, and Jeff Carlson, serving in the US Air Force, US Army, and US Navy. Garden Club members present took a few moments to relate their own family acquaintances serving the USA in the past. Then, wrapping up the event, those present thanked each of the Veterans and their families for the sacrificial service to the people of our United States of America.
The Blue Star Memorial Highway program was begun by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. (formerly the National Council of State Garden Clubs) just after World War II, in 1946, as a way to honor the veterans who had served. The Blue Star was adopted because it had become an icon in World War II and was seen on flags and banners in homes for sons and daughters away at war as well as in churches and businesses.
The first year after the program was adopted, seven states had placed markers. By the end of 1949, more than 33 states were participating, and more than 16,000 miles had been dedicated.
This program was expanded in 1981 to include a smaller, Memorial By-ways marker. These designations are always placed on public property, often at a rest area or welcome center. In addition the markers never honor a person. They are always dedicated to our armed forces as a whole. It is rewarding to know that so many of our roadways have been designated as a memorial to those who have sacrificed so much.
The San Saba Garden Club graciously thanks all who have served and who now serve in the US Military! We do humbly realize that “Freedom is not free!” God Bless The USA!