This Blue Star Memorial By-Way Plaque can be located in the University’s Founders Memorial Garden on S. Lumpkin Street on North campus. This particular by-way plaque was dedicated on March 15, 2015 and belongs to the Azalea District and Garden Club Council. The Blue Star Memorial Program was created originally in 1944 to commemorate those who had served and continued to serve in World War II in order for the community to express their appreciation for their services. The following year, the National Council of State Garden Clubs recognized the program and established the Blue Star Highway System, which now consists of markers spanning the entire United States. It was during this World War II period in which this blue star was accepted as symbolic of the United States Armed Forces and began to appear throughout communities mostly on banners and flags in their homes, local businesses, and churches. In 1951, the Blue Star program expanded its notion to honor all service men and women who had served, was currently serving, and those who would serve in the United States Armed Forces.
Sources:
“The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. | Projects and Programs.” The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. | Projects and Programs. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2016.
“Garden Clubs Dedicate Blue Star Memorial Marker” Pilot, The (NC), Nov. 13, 2013.