Garden Club of Cape Coral | Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and our Blue Star Marker
By SYLVIA SWARTZ
You may not be aware that the Garden Club of Cape Coral installed and maintains a Blue Star Marker at Eco Veterans Memorial Park. The marker was installed in November 2020.
As a way of celebrating and honoring America’s 250 Anniversary, on July 1 we, the Garden Club of Cape Coral, placed a 250th Anniversary wreath lovingly made by club members Nancy Finnegan and Peggy Loyson, plus one hundred 250th Anniversary miniature flags in the garden that surrounds our marker. The miniature flags embody the wording “Home of the Free Because of the Brave.”
So – what is a Blue Star Marker? This program was begun by The National Garden Clubs, Inc., and the Blue Star Marker is a meaningful memorial that honors the men and women who have served, are serving or will serve in the United States Armed Forces. This memorial program was established after World War II in recognition of the sacrifices made by America’s military personnel and to remind communities of the importance of patriotism, service and remembrance, all qualities that we need to bear in mind today.
The fledging program began in 1945 when the then National Council of State Garden Clubs planted thousands of flowering dogwood trees along highways across the country to create the “Blue Star Highway” system. These trees symbolized gratitude for veterans returning from World War II and served as living memorials to those who had sacrificed for their nation. The name “Blue Star” was chosen because it has special significance in American military tradition. During World War I, families displayed Blue Star Service Banners in their windows to indicate service by a family member in the military. A blue star represented an active service member, while a gold star honored one who had died in service to the nation. The Blue Star Memorial Program draws upon this powerful symbol to recognize all who have answered the call to serve.
Over time, maintaining the trees became difficult, and in 1951 the Blue Star Memorial Marker was established using permanent markers to replace many of the original tree plantings and they continue to serve as lasting tributes. Today, Blue Star Markers can be found throughout the United States in a variety of locations – parks, cemeteries, veterans’ facilities, civic buildings, schools, gardens, and along highways. Each marker bears the inscription: “A Tribute to the Armed Forces Who Have Defended the United States of America.” This simple yet profound message reminds visitors of the courage, dedication, and sacrifice demonstrated by members of our defense services.
The Garden Club of Cape Coral’s decision to install a Blue Star Marker in Cape Coral was made in 2019 and we set out to raise funds to cover the cost of installation and future maintenance. Our major fundraiser was a very successful fashion show which we staged at the now late lamented Yacht Club. We raised sufficient funds to purchase and pay for the installation of the marker and to plant the surrounding garden area. Unfortunately, COVID hit in the middle of our efforts and severely disrupted our plans for the installation and dedication ceremony. Attendance had to be severely curtailed, and we were denied the pleasure of being able to share this with a much greater audience than was allowed at that time. That is probably one of the main reasons why so few people know about our marker.
The dedication ceremony at Eco Park took place on Nov. 9, 2020, and was attended by then mayor, the late Joe Coviello, who accepted the barker on behalf of the city of Cape Coral. Many veterans were involved in the event – the presentation of the colors was led by Carl Saitta, sergeant at arms, American Legion Post 90, Cape Coral; the invocation was delivered by Chaplain John Petruska (National Veterans Chaplain); and the dedication of the memorial marker was by Rosita Aristoff, Florida Federation of Garden Clubs Blue and Gold Star Memorial Marker Chair. A special military tribute was given by Ralph Santillo, CEO of the SW FL Military Museum. It was a very moving occasion, and it saddens me that so few people were able to join us because of a national pandemic.
Since the marker’s installation, a small team of Garden Club members led initially by Paula Plum and now by Cheryl Shaw has further developed the garden and continues its maintenance.
Blue Star Markers stand as more than monuments of wood and bronze. They are living symbols of our national gratitude and convey enduring respect for the Armed Forces. Through the dedication of garden club members nationally and local communities, these memorials beautify public spaces while preserving the memory of those who have selflessly served the United States. They remind us that freedom is not free – it is safeguarded through the courage and commitment of the countless men and women who have served and continue to serve our great country since 1776.
Sylvia Swartz is president of the Garden Club of Cape Coral.