Blue Star Memorials

Blue Star and Gold Star Markers pay tribute to  all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.  The Program has three markers, the Memorial Marker, the Highway Marker, and the By-Way Marker.

Individual Mississippi garden clubs install markers in their towns, as well as contribute to the GCM Blue Star and Gold Star Memorial Fund used to place the markers in public places.  As of January, 2023, Mississippi has 60 Blue Star and Gold Star markers.

Blue Star Markers honor all men and women that are now serving or have served in the United States Armed Forces.  In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs (now NGC, Inc.) adopted the program and began a Blue Star Highway system that covers thousands of miles across the Continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii.  The Blue Star was adopted because it had become an icon in World War II and was seen on flags and banners in homes for sons and daughters away at war.

Gold Star Markers honor members of the United States Armed Forces who lost their lives in service to our country.  The mission of these markers is to offer honor, hope, and healing through remembering fallen heroes.  The name Gold Star came from the custom of families of service members hanging a banner called a service flag in the window of their homes.  The Gold Star on the banner represented those who had lost their lives.

For further information regarding the ordering of a Blue Star or Gold Star Marker, or to make a club contribution by the deadline of March 1, please contact Nancy Moore at jmmoore@decaturtel.net.