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History and Current Status of: The Blue Star Memorial Highways | |||||||||||
 The Blue Star Memorial Highways are a tribute to the armed forces that have defended the United States of America. The National Garden Clubs, Inc., is the parent organization for Blue Star Memorial Highways. Here is their URL: http://www.gardenclub.org/ The idea dates to 1944 when the New Jersey State Council of Garden Clubs beautified a 5½-mile stretch of U.S. 22 from Mountainside to North Plainfield. Approximately 8,000 dogwood trees were planted as a living memorial to the men and women in the Armed Forces from New Jersey. The Blue Star, taken from the blue star in the service banner, was chosen to symbolize the memorial because it was used during World War II on flags and homes of families that had a son or daughter in the service. The New Jersey Legislature approved a Joint Resolution on January 22, 1945, designating this highway "Blue Star Drive." At the close of World War II, the National Council, like other public-spirited groups, was seeking a suitable means of honoring servicemen and women. It was agreed, that as Garden Clubs, it would be better to help beautify and preserve the country the men had fought for than to build stone monuments. The New Jersey clubs had just finished beautifying a section of one of the New Jersey highways as a War Memorial, working with the New Jersey Highway Commissioner, Spencer Miller, Jr., when Mr. Miller, a guest speaker at the annual convention of the National Council in 1945, suggested that this program be projected on a nationwide basis. This was just the kind of project the National Council had been looking for. Using the New Jersey project as its model, the National Council made a study of the inter-regional highways of the United States. A Blue Star Highway system was outlined, consisting of one east-west and seven north-south highways. (Today we have many more.) Highway Commissioners were informed of the plan as were also the Garden Clubs in each state, and all were invited to participate. Every Garden Club State President was asked to secure collaboration of the State Highway Department before undertaking a Blue Star project, as this was considered requisite to the success of the plan. A uniform marker was adopted to show memorialization, the design of which was a gift from Mrs. Frederic Kellogg, founder of National Council. The Blue Star Memorial Highway project began to catch on. These markers have been placed on highways from the Atlantic to the Pacific, including Hawaii and Alaska. Many of them stand today where they were dedicated over sixty years ago. While it originally began to honor World War II veterans, it enlarged its mission. In 1951 it expanded to include all men and women, who had served, were serving or would serve in the armed forces of the United States. There are now three types of markers: the Memorial Highway Marker, found alongside roadways and at rest stops; the Blue Star Memorial Markers found at veterans' hospitals, national cemeteries, etc.; and Blue Star By-Way Markers which can be placed in any appropriate garden setting.
A Blue Star Memorial By-Way Marker Today there are more than 70,000 miles of highway designated as Blue Star Memorial Highways. Blue Star Memorial Markers are standing proudly along these thoroughfares nationwide. These markers are everywhere!... As we find ourselves at war again many of these memorials are being re-dedicated. The Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker program has not died and it continues on today. Many State Legisatures and municipalities are today dedicating additional highways and errecting new memorials. According to the National Garden Clubs, Inc., there were 65 new Blue Star Memorial Marker dedications in 2004, 83 in 2005 and 28 so far in 2006. NROTC has not been unable to find any one comprehensive source giving the actual number and locations of all officially designated "Blue Star Memorial Highways" and markers. Following is a compilation of what we have found: Alabama
US 11 thru west Jefferson Co. is the Bessemer Super Highway and a Blue Star Memorial Highway. Alaska The Glenn Highway in Anchorage, a section of which is known as the Veterans Memorial Parkway, is a Blue Star Memorial Highway. The bronze marker, which is the same design as used all over the country, sits in a small triangular shaped park at the beginning of the Glenn Highway, bounded by E. 5th and E. 6th Avenues and Karluk Street. The sign sits amidst a planter for flowers, that when in bloom, are spectacular. The highway is "A tribute to the Armed Forces that have defended the United States of America."
An Alaskan Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker Arizona
A marker can be found at the Yuma Rest area East of Yuma on the west bound side, I-8.
Arkansas
This marker with its elaborate stone work base is located south of Arkansas City on Hwy 77.
 A group of veterans refurbished the Blue Star Memorial Highway sign at the intersection of Aggie Road and University Loop West. They held a brief re-installation ceremony at 1 p.m. Friday, prior to Memorial Day. California BLUE STAR MEMORIAL HIGHWAY MARKERS NOTE: (*) = Marker in storage; (1) = One marker at 2-way rest area; (2) = Two markers at dual rest areas Location ------------------------- Donor
Alamo I-680 N-bnd ramps, Stone Valley Rd Bay Bridges District
 US-395 is a Blue Star Memorial Highway. This marker is at the Conway Summit. (April 2004)
Desert Oasis I-40 E & W-bnd rest areas, 9 mi E of Newberry (2) Desert Empire District
 This photo was taken on a high pass on I-5 somewhere near Lost Hills, CA
Pinole I-80 E-bnd on-ramp at Pinole Valley Rd. Pinole GC
A cared for Blue Star Memorial marker in California
Ridgecrest Animal Shelter Desert Planters GC
A marker in Sacramento, California Colorado Colorado was the first state to formulate and undertake a Blue Star Memorial project for development under the capable leadership of Ruby Neal, who chaired the project for 25 years. Colorado's first dedicated highways were U.S 40, U.S. 24, U.S. 85, and U.S. 87. The first marker was dedicated at the Utah border at Dinosaur, Colorado in 1947. Others followed at our borders near Cheyenne, Wyoming, Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, and at Raton Pass. All are still in place. Altogether, 23 more markers have been dedicated, many in the 50's, 60's, and 70's. Locations of Blue Star Memorial Highway Markers in Colorado:
1. South side of U.S. 40, approximately 3 miles NW of the town of Dinosaur. Dedicated: December 27, 1948.
A Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker Dedicated at Hudson Gardens on Santa Fe Blvd. in Littleton, Colorado on November 2003. Five young ladies from Eagle Battalion, Adams City High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC performed the Presentation of Colors, and two young men from the Arapahoe High School Band, Elliott Hoefflin and Bobby Cassara, played the National Anthem on trumpet. Marjorie Watenpaugh, Southern/South Central CFGC State Director, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Pat Callahan, U.S.A.F. Rtd., Chaplain, American Legion, George C. Evans Post 103 gave the Invocation. Jessie Boyer, CFGC President, greeted guests, with an explanation of CFGC and National Garden Clubs, Inc. missions and major projects. Jan Maynard, CFGC Blue Star Memorial Chairman, gave a history of the Blue Star Memorial Program from its inception after WWII and its history in Colorado. LaVerne Sarber, South Central District Blue Star Memorial Coordinator, unveiled the marker... Jessie read the words of Dedication: We are here to pay tribute to our Armed Forces. While we go about our daily lives or while we sleep, the men and women in our Armed Forces fly our skies, sail our seas, and guard our shores, ensuring our safety. They stand ready at a moment's notice to defend our country. We must not forget them, and, we do not. We remember with every step of the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We remember with every drumbeat on the Fourth of July. We pledge allegiance to our flag and we remember. At the sound of Reveille, we remember, and as the last lingering note of Taps resounds in the distance, we remember. And, remembering today, we dedicate this Blue Star Marker to the honor and glory of all those men and women who have served, are now serving, and will serve in the Armed Forces of this great nation. It is with pride that the National Garden Clubs, Inc. joins with the Colorado Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. and South Central District to perpetuate our Blue Star Memorial Program with this maker which stands as a symbol for All to see, Lest we forget, Those who help to keep us free. LaVerne placed a wreath with white and red flowers in front of the marker. Herb Berner, Chaplain, Post 4666, Veterans of Foreign Wars, read a poem he had written and gave the Benediction. Taps was played. Connecticut
 Federated Garden Clubs' Meg Bremer, left, and Lois Gough, right at the September, 2004 dedication of the Blue Star Memorial Highway marker, given by the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, at the Welcome Center of the I-95 Rest Stop in Westbook. Another marker is being planned to replace the original one on US 1, which was moved to I-95. There are also markers in Danbury at the Exit 5 ramp off of I-84, and in Newtown, CT. Delaware A Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker can be found at the Smyrna Rest Stop on Route 13 and Route 1. A marker can also be found on US 13 in the town of Seaford. Florida The Florida State Legislature designated U.S.1 as Florida’s first Blue Star Memorial Highway in 1947. Our first Blue Star Memorial marker was dedicated on May 30, 1949 in Key West’s Bay View Park. U.S. I was officially dedicated as Florida’s only Blue Star Memorial Highway on March 17, 1950 in Wayside Park a few miles north of St. Augustine. Nine years later, the Florida Legislature authorized the Chairman of the State Road Department (now the Department of Transportation) to designate other highways, also, as Blue Star Memorial Highways.
 Just inside the Florida state line, the "Blue Star Memorial Highway" sign rises in the median of U.S. 1. Between the 1020s and 1971, when Interstate 95 reached the Florida state line, most visitors arrived via U.S. 1, originally part of the Dixie Highway System. Date: June 03, 2002 "WWII Heroes Honored by Blue Star Memorial Highway marker"
By ANGIE GREEN LAKELAND, FLORIDA -- Fifty-seven years ago a World War II soldier was imprisoned for 17 months. On Friday, he spoke at the dedication of a road marked to honor heroes like him. Howard Shanks shared his war experience with a crowd of about 100 people before unveiling a Blue Star Memorial Highway marker in a park decorated with red, white and blue flowers, quilts and flags. As a 23-year-old, Shanks was captured by the German army after his B-17 bomber went down Jan. 11, 1944, in Brunswick. He shared with a teary-eyed crowd his memories of being a prisoner of war and being beaten by German civilians. Shanks, now 81 and a Lake-land retiree, said he was honored to appear before the crowd that gathered for the Blue Star dedication. "I appreciate that people still remember the old boys," he said. The Blue Star Memorial plaque pays tribute to men and women in the armed services, as well as represents a sadly familiar symbol for those who lived through World War II. During the war, blue stars were hung in the window of houses where a member of the family was serving his or her country. The blue star would be replaced by a gold one if the family member was killed. Now two bronze markers with the familiar blue stars can be spotted on Wabash Avenue and in Sertoma Park, off Memorial Boulevard. The Blue Star Memorial Highway system started after World War II to pay tribute to the nation's armed forces. The Blue Star Highway system covers thousands of miles across the United States. Memorial Boulevard, which is the Lakeland portion of U.S. 92, was adopted as a Blue Star Highway in 1952 by the Lakeland City Commission, but a Blue Star plaque has been missing for about 10 years, said Brian Dick, assistant superintendent of parks. The original plaque was damaged in an auto accident. The Garden Club of Lakeland Inc. was asked to work with Lakeland's Beautification Project and purchase the two Blue Star markers, Dick said. The 150-member women's club jumped at the opportunity. Garden club president Elizabeth Herbert said the group had wanted to donate markers for some time. The National Garden Club Inc. started the Blue Star Memorial Program in 1945. "Everywhere you go, you see the blue star markers. It was time for Lakeland to have one," Herbert said. Red canna, plumbago and Natchez white crape myrtles will skirt the markers in red, white and blue.
"BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKERS" Endorsed by Florida Federation in 1945
 A Florida marker in need of paint or restoration like so many others. Exact Florida location unknown. Georgia
In front of the Appling County Library in Baxley, Ga. located on U.S. 341, is this Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker.
In Stewart County, a Blue Star Memorial Highway marker can be found in Richland at north intersection of US 280 and old 280.
This Blue Star Memorial Highway marker is also located in Sumter County, on U.S. 280 at the Plains Welcome Center just east of Plains, Ga.
A well deserved setting for this Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker located on Ga. 23/57/144 in Glennville, Ga.
 This memorial is proudly located at the Jefferson County Courthouse in Louisville, Ga.
In Mitchell County there is a Blue Star Memorial Highway marker in Camilla at roadside park on US 19.
 A very nicely restored marker located at the northbound I-475 rest area, 1.5 miles north of Exit 5 in Macon, Ga. THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF WHAT CAN BE DONE TO IMPROVE THE APPEARANCE OF THESE MARKERS.
In Morgan County a Blue Star Memorial Highway marker can be found at the Intersection of US 278 and US 441, Madison.
 You will find this one on Ga. 15 at the Washington County courthouse square, in Sandersville, Ga.
 This beautifully aged marker stands proudly on US 1 at a roadside park about 1.5 miles south of Lyons. The following is taken from a public report given by the 2005-06 session of the Georgia General Assembly; House Resolution 173 (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE) WHEREAS, the Pembroke Garden Club has selected the southern and eastern edge of U.S. Highway 280/State Route 30 at South College Street as the ideal location for a Blue Star Memorial Highway marker. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that U.S. Highway 280/State Route 30 from the eastern city limits of Pembroke to the western city limits (Bacon Street) be designated as a Blue Star Memorial Highway.
The morning mist at Georgia Veterans State Park on U.S. 280, in eastern Crisp County, Ga., does not hide this Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker.
U.S. 341 in front of the Altamaha Technical College, Jesup, Ga.
Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker Located northbound on I-75 in Rest Area 34 just north of GA 140 34°24'33N, 84°55'03W
A Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker stands watch at the Marietta National Cemetery, located on Ga. 120 in Marietta, Ga., 33°57.020N, 84°32.571W There is also a Blue Star Memorial Highway marker at Milledgeville Mall on US 441N in Milledgeville. Hawaii A marker is at Wheeler Army Airfield on Oahu on Kamehameha (“Kam”) Hwy. We would like to have a picture of this one. Idaho Idaho hosts four known Blue Star Service Memorial Highway Markers. Look on Highway 12 in Lewiston, State Highway 48 in Roberts, the Lenore Rest Stop and another rest stop of an unkown location. Illinois For lack of better information, we are posting locations coutesy of our geo-locator friends. You should be able to find Blue Star Memorial Highway Markers at the following sometimes non-descript Illinois locations: Go to their site if you want the GPS coordinates at: http://bluestar.butanocreek.org/
Rockford, Route 2
 This marker stands on the corner of South Main St. and West College Ave., in Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 Indiana North-South US 31 (entire) and US 24 from Fort Wayne to its junction with US 31 is designated as a Blue Star Memorial Highway. Iowa In 1949, U. S. Highway 75 was designated Iowa’s Blue Star Memorial Highway in honor of those who served in the armed forces. The Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa actively participate in creating memorials along this highway. The memorials consist of roadside parks, scenic turnouts, and roadside plantings of native materials.
 A New Marker Dedication at highways 3 & 71, 1999 near Sioux Rapids, Iowa Kansas There is a Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker at 110th and State, a roadside park. Louisiana Louisiana has 47 Memorial Highway Markers and 14 By-Way Markers for a total of 61 markers.
DISTRICT I
 A well manicured Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker setting on the Zydeco Cajun Prairie Scenic Byway
DISTRICT II Maine US1 in Maine is designated as a Blue Star Memorial Highway. Maryland U.S. 301 crosses the Delaware state line into Maryland. Designated the Blue Star Memorial Highway, U.S. 301 provides a through route for traffic interests between Wilmington, Delaware and Washington, D.C. Massachussetts I-495 in central Massachussetts is a "Blue Star Memorial Highway". Michigan US 31 in Michigan is also known as the Blue Star Memorial Highway. Missouri
A Blue Star Memorial Highway marker on the east side of Carthage on a bypassed section of Route 66. Photo taken in 1999)Montana
 Nebraska Part of Interstate 80 in Nebraska is known as the Blue Star Memorial Highway.
 A marker somewhere on I-80 in Nebraska.New Hampshire The New Hampshire turnpike is named a "Blue Star Memorial Highway" in honor of the state's World War II dead. New Jersey A replica of the original marker remains in South Plainfield. In the state, US Route 22, Interstates 78, 80, 287 and 295 have been dedicated as memorial highways. The program has been extended to include smaller roads and garden settings (Blue Star Memorial By-ways) , and veterans cemeteries or facilities (Blue Star Memorials). The new veterans home in Menlo Park has been dedicated as a Blue Star Memorial facility. Blue Star Highway markers are located in Knowlton (Rt 80); Harding (Rt 287), Springfield (Rt 295); Byway markers are located in Oakland (rts 287 & 202); Verona; Middletown (Rt 35); Navesink; Bay Head; Hamilton (Mercer County Rt 33); Medford (Rt 70). North Carolina Marker to be dedicated in memory of veterans WARSAW -- A Blue Star Memorial Marker, honoring North Carolina's military veterans, will be erected April 6 2005 at the I-40 rest stop near Warsaw. The Garden Club of North Carolina will dedicate a Blue Star Memorial Marker at 2 p.m. at Exit 364 and I-40. Garden Club members from across the state donated money to make the memorial possible, said Alta Kornegay of the Warsaw Garden Club, which has about 30 members. It costs $1,000 to erect the marker, she said. Warsaw residents have long been proud of their military heritage. The town sponsors the oldest Veterans Day parade in the country and supports the Duplin County Veterans Museum. Ohio Ohio is proud to recognize Interstate 70 (running east and west across the state) as the Memorial Highway in the state. There are ten Blue Star Highway Markers on I-70, in addition to a marker on Interstate 75 and another one on Interstate 71 – both near Cincinnati, Ohio. Blue Star Honor Park Markers were first used following World War II in 1945 and there are eight Honor Park markers in Northern Ohio. This marker was replaced with the Blue Star By-Way Marker in 1981. Two of the current By-Way Markers have been placed in Cincinnati, Ohio during the past few years. The Blue Star Memorial Markers are used only at the Veterans Medical Centers or National (Veteran) Cemeteries of which Ohio has two. Dayton, Ohio has the oldest National Cemetery and the Garden Club of Ohio Dayton District is in the process of placing a Blue Star Memorial Marker at this location. Garden Club of Ohio Cincinnati District is in the process of placing a Blue Star Memorial Marker at the Veterans Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Oklahoma
Blue Star Memorial Highway US77 Across Oklahoma. Dedicated in Honor of all Oklahomans who served in the Armed Forces of the United States in World War I and World War II. THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF WHAT CAN BE DONE TO IMPROVE THE APPEARANCE OF THESE MARKERS.
 Here is one we found in Ardmore, Oklahoma
This Oklahoma monument is on the South Edge of Ponca City at Junction of US60 and Old US177 Oregon I-205 Renamed
 Mike Breshears and John Neuman War veterans Mike Breshears of Canby and John Neuman of Gresham were on hand for Friday's announcement that Interstate 205 would be renamed as the Veterans' Memorial Highway. The highway stretches from Wilsonville to Washington state. Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 392 (Portland) led the effort to have it officially named this. "It is hoped an ongoing awareness will be made by all who travel the freeway that 'freedoms' we enjoy do come with a price tag," said John Neuman, a Vietnam War veteran from Gresham who spearheaded the renaming campaign. "Part of which involves the lives and service of countless veterans through all periods of our history, and to whom the freeway is dedicated." Appropriately, the highway will be officially designated as the Veterans' Memorial Highway on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Veterans' Memorial Highway will become part of the Blue Star Memorial Highway program, which also includes I-5, I-84, Highway 99E, Highway 99W, Highway 97, and U.S. Highway 101. The special status is sponsored by the National Federation of Garden Clubs, and 48 Blue Star signs have been placed across the state, including in parks, veterans hospitals, and veterans cemeteries. Pennsylvania BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKER DEDICATED
 The PA Turnpike is a Blue Star Memorial Highway. The most recent installation and dedication of a Blue Star Memorial Marker took place April 6, 2005, at the Allentown Service Plaza of the PA Turnpike. Representatives from the American Legion, VFW, Vietnam Veterans along with representatives of District II/III and the State President, Jackie Davies, of The Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania. Barbara Dempsey, State Blue Memorial Chairman, coordinated the event. Funding throughout the District raised $2500 to erect the signage and the plantings which were installed with the assistance of the Turnpike Commission. There are already a number of other Blue Star Memorial Markers along PA highways including those on the PA Turnpike. Many of the Districts are planning to install Blue Star Memorial Markers in their Districts during the next year or two. South Carolina
Johnnie Dodds Blvd US 17 east of Charleston, SC
A South Carolina Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker South Dakota
 Somewhere in South Dakota. Nice stone monument. Tennessee Carroll County: Hwy 79 & 22 triangle, Mckenzie, Carroll County; dedicated September 16,1991 by Morning Glory Garden Club. Crockett County: Bells (to be dedicated on November 11,2007) by Bells Garden Club. Dyer County: Okeena Municipal Park, Dyersburg, Dyer County; dedicated November 11,1982 by District I of TFGC. Gibson County: Hwy I-45W, Gibson County Courthouse, Trenton; dedicated July 9,1990 by Trenton Garden Club. Henry County: Hwy I-641, Henry County Courthouse, Paris; dedicated October 20,1995 by Paris-Henry County Council of Garden Clubs. Madison County: Hwy I-40E Rest Area, Madison County (Jackson); dedicated November 11,1980 by District I of TFGC. Shelby County: Hwy I-55N Tennessee Welcome Station, Shelby County (Memphis); dedicated October 8,1975 by Memphis-Shelby County Council of Garden Clubs; replaced 2004 by District I of TFGC. Hwy-72, Memphis VA Medical Center (1030 Jefferson Avenue), Memphis, Shelby County; dedicated May 30,1989 by District I of TFGC. Hwy 14 (Austin Peay) & Hwy 205 (Millington-Arlington) Intersection, Shelby County; dedicated April 4,1998 by Garden Club of Rosemark. Hwy 177 (Germantown Parkway), Germantown City Hall, Shelby County; dedicated August 12,1998 by Germantown Garden Club. Cherry Road & Park Avenue, Memphis Botanic Gardens, Memphis, Shelby County; dedicated March 18,2007 by District I of TFGC. W.J. Freeman Park, Bartlett Blvd, Bartlett, Shelby County, dedicated June 13,2007 by Bartlett Garden Club. (*Blue Star Byway Marker) Fall 1984; Herb Garden, Historic Fountaine House, 680 Adams, Memphis, Shelby County; dedicated fall 1984 by District 1 of TFGC. Weakly County: Hwy I-45E & 22, Municipal Electrical System Building, Martin, Weakley County; dedicated June 3,1975 by Martin Garden Club. Hwy 54 & 89, Weakley County Courthouse, Dresden; dedicated June 29,1990 by Dresden Garden Club. Texas Between 1971 and 1988 the State of Texas approved orders designating nine stretches of roadway as Blue Star routes. They are:
 In November of 1971 the Nassau Bay Garden Club held a ceremony dedicating the three miles of NASA Parkway between Texas Highway 3 and the entrance to the Manned Spacecraft Center as the Blue Star Memorial Highway. “ Because the Space Program is so much a part of our lives in Nassau Bay, the members of the Garden Club resolved to have NASA-1 added to the network of Blue Star Memorial Highways spanning the country. It would be a memorial to the astronauts and all the valiant men who serve in all the Armed Forces.”
 Here is Blue Star Memorial Highway marker found in Hondo, Texas on Highway 90. It is not on the list above. Utah
 Here is a Utah marker. Exact location unknown. Virginia
 Pictured is a Blue Star Highway sign on Belvidere Street, Richmond, Virginia, near the Virginia War Memorial.
A Blue Star Memorial Highway marker on Interstate 64 eastbound near Charlottesville, Virginia. The entire length of U.S. Route 1 in Fairfax County is designated the "Blue Star Memorial Highway". Washington Highway Markers Vancouver Main St (old US 99) 1950
Seattle SR99/Aurora Ave N (old US 99) 1952  This Blue Star Memorial Highway marker is located on the west side of SR 99 /Aurora Ave N (old US 99) near N 65th St. Green Lake is across the street and Woodland Park is a few blocks to the south. The present marker replaces one earlier vandalized. The original marker was sponsored by the Snoqualmie District of the Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs in 1952.
Moses Lake near I-90 at Moses Lake Park 1958
 The Arlington Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker is located in the northbound I-5 Smokey Point Rest Area. The marker was sponsored by the Evergreen District of the Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs in 1993. Tumwater Historical park on Deschutes Way 1993
Near Eatonville at Dogwood Park 1994 
Tacoma SR 16 Center St Park and Ride Lot 1995 West Virginia
 This marker is currently located in front of the Roane County Courthouse in Spencer, WV, with plans to relocate the marker to the Ruby Bradley Memorial Bridge, after it is widened. Wisconsin At Rest area 82 on I-39, northbound, milepost 117, north of Westfield in Marquette County, GPS Coordinates: N 43° 56.662' W -89° 29.055' there is a "Blue Star Memorial Highway" marker located on the site.
At this writing, we do not know what has caused the discoloration in the center of so many markers we have looked at. We believe that most of these proud aging Blue Star Memorial Highway Markers are in need of restoration or at least painting. Perhaps the NROTC can contribute to the these much needed restorations to some degree or at least call attention to this in local communities.
 This marker is typical of so many others. This search was not meant to provide an accurate record of every "Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker" out there and we expect that we will be adding to this list from time to time. GEOCACHING, pronounced "geocashing", is becoming quite popular. Hobbiests with handheld GPS receivers are transversing the globe, recording the GPS numbers, the exact location to within feet if not inches, of interesting subject matter everywhere. One such "GEOCACHING" website that we have found is recording and publishing the location coordinates of "Blue Star Memorial Highway Markers".
 While with a GPS, locating these markers is not a problem, often the description of the actual physical location these "Geocachers" give, leaves a little to be desired... but WE DO THANK THEM for their contribution! The "Geocachers" Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker website still very interesting and if you enjoyed the above reading, we think you will enjoy this website also... Here is the link: http://bluestar.butanocreek.org/ Here is a new website that has popped up since I did the research above. It is very thorough and has many other photos and locations. Check this out | |||||||||||
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