New Stewards of the Blue Star Memorial
Author: Marilyn Lane
New Stewards of the Blue Star Memorial
Marilyn Lane
The Blue Star Memorial Program is a national initiative by the National Garden Clubs to honor all men and women serving in the United States Armed Services. The Blue Star By-Way Marker can be placed in any garden setting and is a symbol of respect and remembrance for those who have served and continue to serve in the Armed Forces. On June 14, 2006, Townsend dedicated a Blue Star Memorial Garden on the corner of Broadway and Oak, across from the Courthouse.
Many supported the project; Badger Material donated gravel, Big B donated the cement, William Lane Construction poured and stamped the Cobblestone, maintaining the finish every few years. Country Floral Gardens donated half of the roses. The garden design was drawn and laid out by Ruth Layton of the Townsend Garden Club. Additionally, a Blue Star Memorial Garden veteran’s tree (Acer tataricum ‘Patdell’, Pattern Perfect Tatarian Maple, donated by Sharley Ragen) was planted in spring 2006 in the northwest corner of Veteran’s Memorial Park to honor all deceased veterans. The Tree Board and the Townsend Garden Club planted it.
Each year the Garden is planted by Memorial Day; summer maintenance was shared among Garden Club members. This season, Marilyn Lane, President of the Garden Club, decided to reach out to Allison Kosto of MSU Extension for support due to decreased membership. Happily, there was an offer from members of two different programs offered by The Broadwater County Extension. Debbie Flynn from the Montana Master Gardener program and Angie Janacaro of the Big Sky, Big Leadership program, will take on the upkeep of the Blue Star Memorial.
When you pass the Blue Star Memorial, we hope you take a moment to reflect on this symbol of hope and pride to all who have served and are now serving in our Armed Forces. Thank you to all the Garden Club members who have been a part of creating this living tribute, and to the Master Gardener program and Big Sky, Big Leadership program, who will continue this honorable tradition.
Though the Townsend Garden Club is not as active as they once were, they still offer scholarships to local high school students each year. For more information on scholarships, contact Mike Schnittgen (mschnittgen@townsend.k12.mt.us).
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PhotoCredit: Marilyn Lane
Image 1 Caption: Pictured left to right: Kathryn McBee, Lynette Dyk, Marilyn Lane & Carla Stephens
Photo Provided by: Marilyn Lane
