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!

This Soldier stands beside the

Blue Star Memorial Marker

which will soon be moved

to the entrance way to the 

Georgia Welcome Center so

that Both the Blue Star and

the Gold Star will be visible

to all who visit the Center!