Guilford Garden Club – Blue Star Memorial Marker
On Friday, April 4, 2025, the Guilford Garden Club dedicated a Blue Star Memorial Marker at Rollwood Park. Master of Ceremonies, Greg Gullette, along with Guilford Garden Club Presidents, Shelley Gullette and Catherine Walker, welcomed guests: Gill Simmons, Channel 8 Weatherman, Matt Hoey, First Selectman, Rosa DeLauro, State Representative, VFW commander Larry Santamaria, Post Darrow-Rebuzzini 48 Color Guard, Karin Pyskaty, President of the Federated Garden Clubs of CT and the Reverends Dr. Brasher-Cunningham and Rev. Sweeney from Guilford churches. After the presentation of the Colors by Post 48, an Invocation, a singing of the National Anthem by choir members of the First Congregational Church of Guilford, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commander Santamaria, Karin Pyskaty shared the information of the Blue-Star Memorial Markers placed by Garden Clubs throughout the United States, Gill Simmons gave a history of the Blue Star Markers and along with Greg Gullette recognized Gold Star and Blue Star attendees, thanking them for their service and sacrifices for our country. Rosa Delauro spoke to the importance of the monument and also gave a tribute to all veterans. After speeches were given, The Blue Star Memorial Marker was unveiled and dedicated. The ceremony concluded with a Benediction and a retreat of the colors. Such a beautiful day to honor our military!
The Blue Star Markers were inspired from the practice during WWI when Blue Star Banners were displayed in the windows of family members serving in the Armed Forces. A Blue Star Highway system was begun in 1945 as a way to honor veterans of World War II. It now covers thousands of miles across the Continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii. The stretch of interstate 95 from New Haven to the Rhode Island border was designated as a Blue Star Highway in 1949. Over the years, the Blue Star Memorial Highway expanded to include By-Way markers and Memorial Markers placed in locations such as veteran’ facilities, national cemeteries, parks and other civic locations. Recently, the Gold Star Memorial has been added to this program to honor families whose loved ones, paid the ultimate price defending the United States of America. The National Garden Clubs, which the Guilford Garden Club is a member, supports the Blue Star Memorial Program to pay tribute to all men and women who have served, or now serve or will serve in the United Sates Armed Services Forces. The Blue Star Marker recognizes the importance of remembering and honoring our armed forces, past, present and future.
The Guilford Garden Club is honored to dedicate a Blue Star Marker as part of our 85th year celebration.
For more information, contact Shelley Gullette 203- 314- 1832.
