SeeCalifornia.com

Maybe you’ve seen the brown signs with the big, blue star at some California rest stops. Why do signs with the words, “BLUE STAR MEMORIAL HIGHWAY” pay tribute to armed forces courtesy of garden clubs? Why not Rotary or Kiwanis clubs?

The answer lies in history.  After WWII ended patriotism was at an all time high. A nationwide movement sought to pay tribute to the armed forces. In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc. approved the Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker program. The state chapter, California Garden Clubs, Inc., accepted responsibility for the program in California beginning in 1947.When highways are designated as Blue Star Memorial Highways by the California Legislature, garden club chapters raise money to install and maintain markers on those roads.  The markers offer a tribute to the men and women in the armed forces who have served, are presently serving and will serve in the future. If you have questions about California’s program, see californiagardenclubs.com