The Morning Garden Stroll

 in

Middle Georgia

16 April 2021

Blue Star Memorial

Marker Dedication

6 April 2021

Laurens County Rest Area #87

Mile Marker 44 - Interstate 16 East

This Marker was Sponsored by the: 

Dublin Federated Garden Clubs

Camellia District Garden Clubs

in cooperation with the

Georgia Department of Transportation

and

The Garden Club of  Georgia, Inc.

The following ten pictures show the activities prior

to the Dedication:

The Welcome was presented by Jan Thiese, Camellia District Director and the Blue & Gold Star Memorial Marker Chairman for The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc.

Some of the attendees!

Remarks were delivered by Barbara Bourque, President

The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc.

Mary Jane Spivey, Blue Star Marker Chairman

The Dublin Federated Garden Clubs also Welcomed the

attendees:

The Invocation was delivered by

Rodney L. Lindsay - Chief Chaplain

Carl Vinson VA Medical Center

The Presentation of Colors was performed by

Boy Scouts of America Troop 65

Sponsored by the

First United Methodist Church. of Dublin, Georgia

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited,

followed by the Singing of the National Anthem by

Shawna Wood of the

Beta Club East Laurens

High School

Recognition of Special Guest was performed by 

Jan Thiese and included the recognition of

Military Personnel Attending!

The History of the Blue Star Marker and the

Dedication was delivered by Jan Thiese:

The Marker was unveiled by

Susi O'Neil and another Member

of the Dublin Federation:

The Boy Scout shown here was

available in case assistance was

needed to remove the Marker Cover!

The Marker was accepted by Jim Clute

State Facilities Manager

Georgia Department of Transportation

This was followed by the Presentation of

Certificates to the Marker Sponsors.  

The Certificates are presented by the 

National Garden Club 

Headquartered In Saint Louis, Missouri.

A Tribute of Flowers was then

placed at the Marker.  The wreath was created 

by Nancy Stinson of the Erin Garden Club -

Camellia District

A Select Verse from the Navy Hymn "Eternal Father"

was performed by YNC Alan F. E. Thiese

U. S. Navy Retired.

The words, which are appropriate for

all Branches of the Military are as follows:

"Lord, guard and guide the men who fly,

And those who on the ocean ply;

Be with our troops upon the land,

And all who for their country stand:

Be with these guardians day and night,

And may their trust by in they might."

In as much as this is  prayer message it was concluded

with an appropriate "men!"

The closing remarks were made by 

Jan Thiese.

Following are some additional pictures from this event

which was well covered by two local Television Stations.

The Member of the Public Works Department

who was responsible for the placement of this

Marker is shown on the left.

Dedication Participants!

This arrangement was made by this Dublin

Federation Member who had recently

celebrated her 95th Birthday

Local Officials also attended this Dedication!!

The State of Georgia has over 170 of these Blue Star Markers to Honor those who:

Have Served

Are Serving

or Will Serve

in the Military of the

United States of America

Garden Clubs in the United States along with other Sponsors have placed over 3000 Markers in the United States of America!!

 

Gold Star Marker

Dedication

Lincolnton, Georgia

1 April 2021

The Pine Needle Garden Club dedicated a Gold Star Marker with appropriate Ceremony at the Lincolnton Club House.

Prior to the Ceremony these pictures were taken:

The Color Guard from Fort Gordon, Georgia Presented the Colors:

The National Anthem was performed by Jasper Dukes, Retired Band Director of the Lincoln County School District.

The Pledge of Alliance was led by Mr. Ernie Guthrie a Veteran of our United States Military.

The President of the Pine Needle Garden Club, Mrs. Linda Joiner Welcomed everyone to the dedication.

The Invocation was presented by Dr. Randy Kanipe, Pastor of the Lincolnton United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Diane Reese Recognized the Special Guest attending.  Of Special Notice were Members of "Gold Star Families."

Greetings from the Garden Club of Georgia were presented by Mrs. Barbara Bourque, President.

History of the Gold Star Marker and Marker Dedication was performed by Mrs. Jan Thiese, Blue Star and Gold Star Memorial Family Marker Chairperson, Garden Club of Georgia.

Mrs. Peggy Glover, District Marker Chairperson and Mrs. Barbara Bourque then unveiled the Marker.

A Tribute of Flowers was the placed at the Marker.

Certificates of Appreciation from the National Garden Club were then presented by Mrs. Jan Thiese to the Marker Sponsors.

The Closing Prayer was led by Dr. Randy Kanipe

Closing Remarks and the Retreat of the Colors concluded the Dedication.

The Patriot Guard Riders provided the Service Flags as well as the Flag of our Nation.  The Riders are shown here.

During the Dedication a Guard was present.

Pictures of Program Participants are shown here at the Marker.

"A Gold Star Family"