Blue Star Memorial Highway facts for kids
Blue Star Memorial Highways are special roads across the United States. They are marked to honor the brave men and women of the U.S. armed forces. These highways, markers, and by-ways remind us of their service and sacrifices. The program started in 1945, right after World War II. It was created by the National Council of State Garden Clubs, which is now called National Garden Clubs, Inc. The "blue star" comes from the blue stars used on service flags. These flags showed that a family member was fighting in the war. Over time, the program grew to include Memorial Markers and Memorial By-ways. You can find these markers in places like National Cemeteries, parks, and veterans' facilities.
Contents
Why Do We Have Blue Star Memorials?
These memorials are a way to say "thank you" to everyone who has served in the U.S. military. They help us remember their courage and dedication. The blue star symbol is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for our country.
Where Can You Find Blue Star Memorials?
Blue Star Memorial Highways and markers are located all over the United States. They are found on major roads, in parks, and at important sites. Here are a few examples from different states:
Memorials Across the States
- In Alabama, you can find a marker on Scenic Highway 98 in Baldwin County. Another is on US 31 near Prattville.
- In Alaska, there's a marker on the Sterling Highway at Anchor Point. This is the westernmost point on the North American highway system.
- Arkansas has markers on Interstate 30 and Interstate 55 at welcome centers.
- In California, you might see markers on State Route 58 or US 101. There's also one on Interstate 80 in Vallejo.
- Colorado has a marker on US 40 in Lakewood.
- In Delaware, US 13 has markers at the Smyrna Rest Area and in Seaford.
- Florida features markers on US 19 and US 27 in Perry. You can also find one on US 41 in Palmetto.
- Georgia has many markers, especially along Interstate 75 and Interstate 95 at welcome and rest centers.
- In Illinois, markers are on Illinois Route 43 in Frankfort and Oak Lawn.
- Indiana has markers on US 31 Business in Peru and Interstate 70 near Plainfield.
- In Iowa, a marker is on Interstate 29 north of Council Bluffs.
- Kentucky has a marker at Barkley Regional Airport.
- Louisiana has many markers, often sponsored by local garden clubs. For example, there's one at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans.
- Maine has designated several major routes as Blue Star Memorial Highways, including US Route 1 and US Route 2.
- In Maryland, the entire US Route 301 is a Blue Star Memorial Highway.
- Massachusetts has Interstate 495 and State Route 25 designated as Blue Star Memorial Highways.
- In Michigan, US 31 and Woodward Avenue have markers.
- Minnesota has designated Interstate 35 and Interstate 94 throughout the state.
- In New Hampshire, Interstate 95 is a Blue Star Memorial Highway.
- New Jersey has markers on US 22 and County Route 632.
- New York features markers on the New York State Thruway and in towns like New Rochelle and Brewster.
- North Carolina has many interstates designated, including I-26, I-40, I-77, I-85, and I-95. Markers are often at welcome centers and rest areas.
- In Oklahoma, a Blue Star Memorial By-Way is dedicated in Tulsa at the Route 66 Historical Village.
- Oregon has a Blue Star Memorial Rose Garden in Roseburg and markers in places like Albany.
- Pennsylvania has markers at most service areas along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. You can also find them on US 202 and US 252.
- Rhode Island dedicated its first marker in Portsmouth in 2013.
- South Carolina has markers on Interstate 20, Interstate 77, Interstate 85, and Interstate 95. US 1 also has several markers.
- In Tennessee, US 45 West and US 25 West are designated highways.
- Texas has many designated highways, including US 59 and US 287.
- In Virginia, Interstate 77 and Interstate 95 have markers. US 1 and US 17 are also designated.
- Washington has markers on the Old Pacific Highway in Vancouver and at Gateway Park on Interstate 90.
- Wyoming has designated Interstate 25 and Interstate 80 as Blue Star Memorial Highways.
Images for kids
-
Milwaukie, Oregon
-
Marker in Anchor Point, Alaska
-
Brunswick, Georgia
-
At the northbound I-95 South Carolina Welcome Center in Hardeeville, South Carolina.
-
I-77 rest area, near Mooresville, North Carolina
-
At the Sideling Hill rest area in Pennsylvania.
