Gold Star Memorial

Marker

and

Blue Star Memorial

Marker 

Dedications

March 30, 2021

at the

Oconee County Courthouse

Watkinsville, Georgia

The above pictures present the location of these Markers.  The Court House is in a location in Watkinsville that is very visible and provides an appropriate setting for both of these Memorial Markers.  The pictures below show the Markers prior to the Dedication.

The following four pictures show the practice prior to the Dedication!

The Master of Ceremonies, LTC, U.S. Army (Retired)

Frank Johnson 

The Dedication started with a Welcome

by the President of

 The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc.

 Barbara Bourque

The Invocation was delivered by

Rev. Dr. Lowrie J. Welton 

of the 

Ashford Memorial

Methodist Church

The Presentation of Colors was performed by the

Clarke Central High School

Junior ROTC

This Presentation of the Colors was considered

awesome by all in Attendance!

The Pledge of Allegiance

was led by

Marilyn McDonnell

Azalea District

Garden Club of Georgia.

Marilyn McDonnell is on the

right of this Picture.

Special Guest were introduced by the
Master of Ceremonies and included

Dr. Michael Durr who grew the Hydrangeas

for the Watkinsville Garden Club

which they sold to generate funds 

for the Markers!

Dr. Durr is shown with the

Camera!

The History of the Blue and Gold Star Markers and the Dedication of the Markers was presented by Jan Thiese - Chairman of the Blue Star and gold Star Marker Program for the Garden Club of  Georgia, Inc.

The Unveiling of the Markers was conducted

by Members of the

Watkinsville Garden Club

Pam Hendrix

Blake Giles

Bob Kraeling

Shirley McCorkle

The Acceptance of the Markers

was conducted by

John Daniel, Chairman

Oconee County Board

of Commissioners

Certificates by the National Garden Clubs, Inc.

President Gay L. Austin

2019-2021 

were presented to the

sponsoring Organizations

Watkinsville Garden Club

The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc.

The Oconee County Government

The Tribute of Flowers for each Marker

were placed by

Pam Hendrix and Blake Giles

of the

Watkinsville Garden Club

An Appropriate Verse from

the Navy Hymn - Eternal Father

was sung by

Alan F. E. Thiese

YNC, U.S. Navy (Retired)

The Benediction was delivered by

Rev. Dr. Lowrie J. Welton

"Taps"

was preformed by

Regan O'Connor

and

Joel Garcia

each standing over 150 feet apart with timing

that presented an echo.  

Only one performer is shown.

Closing remarks were delivered by the

Master of Ceremonies and included

an invitation to enjoy the snacks available.

The following group pictures are shown here:

Several Members of Gold Star Families

 took

the opportunity to have this picture 

along with 

several Garden Club Members at

The Gold Star Marker which is

a Tribute to Gold Star Families

whose loved ones paid the

ultimate price defending the

United States of America

The two Oconee County Employees 

who placed the chairs and the audio 

system are shown here:

Concluding Pictures: