This past Saturday the Mount Hermon Garden Club hosted the dedication of a Blue Star Memorial Marker as a tribute to the men and women of the armed forces who have bravely defended and served the United States of America. The marker was placed on the campus of Mount Hermon School next to the Veterans Memorial Garden already located there.
The vision to bring a Blue Star Memorial marker to the Mount Hermon Community, which is the first in Washington Parish, began with the Mount Hermon Garden Club, but it was made possible with the generous contributions of the Mount Hermon Ruritan Club, as well as Brian Creel, Kenny Martin, Joni Sanders, Randy Seal, Jason Smith, Lee Wall, and Rex Wascom, Jr.
The marker dedication service and unveiling began with the Bogalusa American Legion Post 24 Honor Guard presenting the colors followed by a welcome by Mount Hermon Garden Club President Susan McNeese.
Marine veteran Rev. Calvin Crowe pastor of Bogue Chitto Baptist Church in Mount Hermon opened in prayer. Tammy Sloan, Assistant Principal of Mount Hermon School, led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag, which was followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Darlene Garcia.
Retired Marine Corps Colonel Walter Smith was guest speaker. He recounted his service in the Vietnam War and shared details about what he and his fellow servicemen experienced when coming home from war. He expressed his appreciation for the efforts made to show appreciation and honor to veterans.
Joni Sanders shared the history of the Blue Star Memorial Marker and was assisted by Joyce Proffitt who held a Gold Star banner and Mary Havens who held a Blue Star banner from World War II that her grandmother displayed in her window on behalf of Mrs. Haven’s uncles serving in the war.
President McNeese presented a certificate of appreciation to the Mount Hermon Community from the National Garden Clubs, Inc. for their support of the Blue Star Memorial Program. David Brooks, owner of Brooks’ General Store, accepted the certificate and will place it in the store on behalf of the community.
In closing, Darlene Garcia led the crowd in singing the chorus of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, which was followed by a prayer, the playing of Taps, and a 21-gun salute from the Bogalusa American Legion Post 24 Honor Guard. The event concluded with a reception for all attendees which was co-sponsored by the Mount Hermon Garden Club and the Mount Hermon Ruritan Club.
The Blue Star Marker Program began in 1944 in New Jersey with the planting of 8,000 dogwood trees as a living tribute to those serving in World War II. The program was expanded in 1945 to include the Blue Star Highway System with markers across thousands of miles within the United States. In addition, markers are placed in National Cemeteries, Veteran’s facilities, historic sites, parks, and civic areas. The marker was named for the flags hung in windows of homes, churches, and businesses for a family member serving in the war.
The blue star is a symbol of hope and pride. No marker can have the name of any individual person, but it is intended to honor all who have, do, or will serve in the Armed Forces. It is the responsibility of the sponsoring garden club to utilize their horticulture knowledge and landscape skills to beautify with attractive living memorials wherever the Blue and Gold Star Memorials Markers are placed.
