VFW Post 6785 had the pleasure of attending the Blue Star Memorial Marker rededication at the Tahoma National Cemetery on 12 August 2023.The refurbishment of the Blue Star Memorial Marker and gardens project was led by Tanya D. Galat, President of the Chinook District of Garden Clubs which is a local subsidiary of the National Garden Club. This project included fund raising, refurbishment of the Blue Star Memorial marker, and a complete overhaul of the gardens around the marker.The re dedication was attended by Walt Tanimoto representing both VFW Post 6785 and the VFW Department of Washington, and Richard Klug Post Quartermaster.

From Walt:“. . . we are very happy to be invited to the rededication ceremony, and even more pleased to see the Chinook District Garden Club continue to support and honor veterans.”

From the National Garden Clubs website:
“The Blue Star Program honors all men and women that serve in the United States Armed Services. This program began with the planting of 8,000 Dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs in 1944 as a living memorial to veterans of World War II. In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs (now NGC, Inc.) adopted this program and began a Blue Star Highway system that covers thousands of miles across the Continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. Blue Star Memorial Highway Markers were placed along the way. 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 as well as in churches and businesses.”The National Garden Club also sponsors a Gold Star Memorial for families of who have lost a loved one in service to our country through the United States Armed Forces.