Avon Lake Blue Star Memorial Dedication Honors Service Members

Avon-on-the-Lake Garden Club with the cooperation of The City of Avon Lake will host The Blue Star Memorial Dedication Ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. in Veteran's Memorial Park (Lake Road and SR 83) in Avon Lake.

Garden Club President Audrey Roberts was instrumental in bringing the memorial to the city. The Club held fundraisers and solicited funds to help honor all Avon Lake men and women who have served or are serving, in the United States armed forces.

"The Avon-on-the-Lake Garden Club is proud to present the ‘Blue Star Memorial to the city of Avon Lake,” Roberts said.

The Garden Club is a member of the National Garden Clubs, which was founded 83 years ago.

“Members who started the club went through World War II and saw the need to remember and never forget those who protect our country from harms way,” Roberts said. “Today, 83, years later, the Garden Club members realize again, the courage of our men and women who are in the armed forces and the need to let them know that we remember and we will not forget."

Roberts said she will be remembering her nephew/godson Chief ET Bradford Yenco of the United States Navy who is currently stationed in Naples, Italy.    

According to the National Garden Clubs’ website, the program began with the planting of 8,000 Dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs in 1944 as a living memorial to veterans of World War II.

“In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs adopted the program and began a Blue Star Highway system, which covers thousands of miles across the Continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii,” the site said.

The program was eventually expanded to include all men and women who had served, were serving or would serve in the armed services of the United States.

Markers are also located in National cemeteries, parks, veteran's facilities and gardens.

The Blue Star became 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.

“Avon-on-the-Lake Garden Club is proud to continue this wonderful program for the Avon Lake Community by placing a Blue Star Memorial in our Veteran's Memorial Park,” a press release issued by the Club said. “Thanks to the citizens, business, and organizations which  donated money towards this project to happen.”

A reception will follow the ceremony at the Lake House in Veterans Park.