Blue Star, Gold Star memorial markers rededicated in downtown Macon

The markers at Rosa Parks Square honor military service members and families whose loved ones died while serving.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Two memorial markers honoring military service members and families of those who died while serving were rededicated Tuesday at Rosa Parks Square in downtown Macon following the park’s renovation.

Mayor Lester Miller spoke at the ceremony about the respect he holds for the Blue Star and Gold Star memorial markers and the people they represent.

The Blue Star Memorial Program began in 1944 when the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs planted 8,000 dogwood trees to honor World War II veterans. The National Council of State Garden Clubs adopted the program in 1945, establishing a nationwide system of Blue Star Memorial Highways.

Jan Theise, chairman of the Blue and Gold Star Program, said the markers were created to recognize everyone who has served.

“We needed to honor all service people, not just those from a particular war or conflict,” Theise said. “And so now we have the Blue and Gold Star markers that honor all who served, with the Gold Star markers honoring the families of those who gave their lives while serving.”

The Blue Star and Gold Star memorial markers stand in downtown Macon alongside the Sgt. Rodney Davis Memorial, and residents are encouraged to visit both.