Sunday, November 24, 2019



Garden Arts Garden Club's  
Gold Star 
Memorial Marker
Dedication
22 November 2019

Augusta, Georgia
at the
Georgia Welcome Center
on
Interstate I-20


 The Garden Arts Garden Club
has a history of remembering our
Nation's Heroes.  This is the Blue Star
Memorial Marker that they
sponsored several years ago
at the Georgia Welcome Center
 The Gold Star Memorial Marker was
covered prior to the Dedication by the 
President of the Garden Club of
Georgia and an employee of the 
Georgia Department of Transportation.

 The Dedication Ceremony was called to
order by Mrs. Jodie Hess, President of the 
Garden Arts Garden Club who also Welcomed 
all in attendance.
 The Invocation was presented by 
Chaplain Dr. Gregory A.
Francisco who is a Life Member
of the Military Chaplains Association
of the United States.
 This and the following three
pictures show the attendees at this
Dedication




 Miss Collins, the
Granddaughter of a
Garden Arts Garden Club Member Sang the
National Anthem!
The following picture shows
our Flag during here singing.

 1st Sargeant Michael McVicker Lead
the Pledge of Allegiance.  He is assigned to the 104th 
Military Intelligence Company,
United States Army.  The picture following 
shows our Flag during the Pledge.

 Ronda Steeley, First Vice President,
Garden Arts Garden Club
recognized the Distinguished Guest 
which include the program participants.
The very special guest were the Gold Star
Families!!!

 The President of The Garden Club of Georgia.
Mrs. Barbara Bouque extended Greetings
on behalf of the Club!
 The History of the Blue and Gold Star Markers
was presented by the Garden Club 
of Georgia Blue Star Marker and the
Gold Star Marker Chairman!

 Representatives of the Sponsoring
Organizations are recognized.
 Certificates of Appreciation were
presented to the Georgia Department of 
Transportation, The Garden Arts Garden Club, The Blue 
and Gold Star Marker Chairman
for the Augusta Council and the
Garden Club of Georgia.  These certificates
are awarded by the National Garden Club to
recognize Sponsors of these Markers.
 Lieutenant Colonel Jared B. Harty currently 
assigned to INSCOM  PED Battalion Commander,
 104th Military Intelligence Company,
United States Army delivered a very
emotional talk about his involvement with Gold Star
Families as the Commander of Troops who
lost their lives during the five
deployments he Commanded.  He also spoke of his
Wife's Involvement with the Spouses of these 
Heroes while he was deployed and her work
in assisting these new Gold Star Families!

 Mrs. Peggy Glover, Garden Arts Garden
Club spoke to the attendees prior the
Official Dedication and the unveiling of
the Gold Star Marker.
 Mrs. Glover was assisted by Betty Davis, President 
of the Augusta Council of 
Garden Clubs with the Wreath Laying and the 
unveiling of the Gold Star
Memorial Marker!




 Closing Remarks were delivered by
Mrs. Jane Edmunds, Co-Director,
Azalea District of the Garden
Clubs of Georgia.

The following was delivered as
the Closing Prayer for this Dedication:

"Oh Trinity of Love and Power,
Our Heroes Shield in Danger's Hour,
from Rock and Tempest, Fire and Foe, 
Protect them where so e'er they Go!
Thus ever more shall rise to Thee,
Glad Hymns of Praise from
Land and Sea!  Amen!!

 This and the following Picture
shows those who were
involved in this Gold Star
Marker Project!

 Gold Star Families were invited to
have a picture taken.  I did not take any 
names.  These special Families deserve our
respect and the right to privacy.  
 Representatives of the U. S. Army
stationed at Fort Gordon in Georgia.



 After the Dedication was concluded a Reception
was held for everyone!