Blue Star Memorial

Marker

Dedication Ceremony

November 10, 2021

Camden County Visitor Tourism Center, Exit 1- Interstate 95 North

Sponsored by:

St. Marys Garden Club

and

The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc.

In Cooperation with the

Georgia Department of Transportation

The following Pictures were taken prior to the Ceremony:

The Dedication started with the Welcome and Recognition of Special Guest by the President of the St. Marys Garden Club - Elizabeth King.

The Invocation was led by Lieutenant Peter Agdamag a Chaplain if the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia.

The following is the Prayer:

"Let Us Pray - Lord we are gathered to ask a blessing on our tribute, a Blue Star Memorial Marker, to the service members that have gone before us, presently serving, and those who will voluntarily and publicly proclaim an oath to serve.  For this Blue Star represents the force, the fighting, and family behind and for every service member to be prepared for war for the goal of Peace.  That is our prayer, Father that the efforts The Garden Club of Georgia and this city, is for Visitors, who will pause for observance and ponder the sacrifice and find Peace on this entry and exit of our City, our County and our State,  This Blue Star might  put people on the Highway to You Father for the gratitude and recognition of all who bear true faith and allegiance to the same.  So Help Us God!!  Amen."

The Presentation of Colors was conducted by the Color Guard and Rife Team, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led  by Able Cadet Mikayla Garner and Seaman Apprentice Maverick Garner of the U. S. Naval Sea Cadets and Camden Kings Bay Council of the Navy League of the United States after being introduced by Lieutenant Commander Barbara Johns

The National Anthem was performed by Mary Margaret McNeil, Camden County High School Course President - Miss Wildcat 2021

Remarks for the Ceremony were presented, first by the President of the Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. Peggy Tucker

Followed by Bobby Horton, City Manager, City of St. Marys

The Speaker for this Dedication was Vice Admiral Albert Konetzni (United States Navy - Retired)

The Dedication of the Marker was conducted by Jan Thiese, Chairman Blue Star and Gold Star Marker program, The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc.

The Marker was Accepted by Wesleigh Reaves, St. Marys Visitor Information Center Manager

The Dedication concluded with "Eternal Father" sung by Mary Margaret McNeil and the playing of "Taps."

The following is quoted from the Dedication Program:

"Thank You for sharing this special time with us to honor our Veterans and all who serve in the United States Armed Forces."

The following pictures were taken during the Ceremony

This attendee was in one of the first Companies of WAVES, U. S. Navy and served our Nation during World War II

The following pictures were taken after the Ceremony

The Officers pictured above were (left to right) The Commanding Officer, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay and the Chaplain who conducted the Invocation.