Public officials and members of the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs will gather at 2 p.m. today (11/11) at Knoxville National Cemetery, 939 Tyson Street, to dedicate a Blue Star Memorial Marker. All are invited.
The Blue Star Memorial Program of the National Garden Clubs Inc. began in 1945 to honor the men and women serving in the Armed Forces during World War II.
The name was chosen for the star on flags displayed in homes and businesses denoting a family member serving.
Blue Star Memorial Markers extend thousands of miles across the United States, and honor all our armed forces. Blue Star Memorial Markers continue to be dedicated each year on highways, at veterans’ facilities, national cemeteries, parks and civic and historic sites, showing our appreciation for those who defended our country
Connie Barker, vice director of TFGC District IV, will serve as announcer for today’s ceremony. LaQuita Misner, member of Dixie Highway Garden Club, will bring words of inspiration, and the Central High School ROTC Color Guard will present colors.
Invited guests include U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, Mayor-elect Indya Kincannon and Margaret “Maggi” Burns, president of the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs Inc.
Also on the program are:
- Janie Bitner, member of Tuckaleechee Garden Club and a Gold Star widow;
- Pamela Dowd, national and state Blue Star chair;
- Kevin Knowles, director of East Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries;
- Bill Sachse, TN Department of Veteran Affairs;
- Kirk Leopard, director of Mountain Home National Cemetery;
- Carrie Niceley, singing “America the Beautiful;”
- Wyatt Brown, playing “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipe; and
- Veterans present from all branches of service.
Sharon Davis is secretary of the Knox County Council of Garden Clubs.