The Bethlehem Garden Club, in partnership with the City of Bethlehem, recently held a Blue Star Memorial Highway Maker dedication with the unveiling of a marker installed in the City’s Rose Garden. The initiative began with a bequest to the Garden Club from the estate of Marion Clewell nearly six years before, according to project chair Liz Lorenz.

Placing Blue Star Memorial Highway Markers across the nation is an initiative of the National Garden Club. Begun originally to honor World War II veterans, the mission has been expanded to include all who have served, are serving or would serve in the United States military.

A contingent of area Blue Star Mothers was recognized for their families’ service sacrifices and contributions. Judith Miller, president of Blue Star Members of America, told the assembly, “It’s hard to put into words the pride we have as mothers to those who serve.”

Lorenzo gave a brief history of the Blue Star, Gold Star and Silver Star symbols displayed by families of military service members. A GoldStar means the family has lost someone in killed in action; A Blue Star means a family has an active member in the military; and a Silver Star means that a family has someone wounded in action or ill following service.

The marker was unveiled by Lorenzo and current Bethlehem Garden Club president Wendy Webber Walsh, and accepted by Lt. Col. (Ret.) John McGeehan, after which a rifle squad from Post 4714, V.F.W. Northampton fired a salute and sounded “Taps.” The dedication ceremony also featured members of both the Nitschmann MS and Liberty HS bands providing patriotic music.