Blue Star Memorial dedicated in Branson

World War II veteran Louis Young and his wife, Helen, of Hollister, represent all veterans as they unveil a Blue Star Memorial at the conservation center at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery in Branson on Saturday.
Phil Surratt | Branson Tri-Lakes News

By Phil Surratt
Staff Writer
Originally published Nov. 10, 2009

It took nearly a year and-a-half, but Branson’s first Blue Star Memorial finally came to fruition Saturday morning at the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center.

Pat Piland, president of the Shepherd of the Hills Garden Club, said the organization is proud to be associated with the memorial, which features a plaque and special garden.

“Even though we take veterans for granted, we have a duty to help make everyone aware that we have our freedom because of these men and women,” Piland said.

“Just remember every time you see a veteran, please be sure to say ‘thank you, thank you, thank you.’ We are the home of the free because of the brave.”

Beverly Brown, chairman of the Blue Star Memorial for the garden club, said a lot of work went into the memorial’s home at the fish hatchery.

“We are very proud of every club member who worked on this project,” Brown said. “We also thank the community and veterans organizations for making this come together. This is truly a community project.”

Missouri author and Vietnam veteran Gary Linderer dedicated the memorial. Linderer said veterans always need a show of support.

“We owe them so much, yet they ask for so little,” Linderer said. “Remembrance is a small price to pay. We must always honor their legacy.”

John Miller, naturalist supervisor for the Missouri Department of Conservation, accepted the memorial to its home at the conservation center.

“This memorial reminds us of the veterans who protected the United States. They also protect our resources,” Miller said. “That’s what this is all about. We are so pleased to have the memorial here.”

There are now 1,216 Blue Star Memorials across the country.

Since 1945, the Blue Star Memorial of the National Garden Clubs began to honor the men and women serving in the Armed Forces.

The name was chosen for the star on flags displayed in homes and businesses denoting a family member serving.

The designation of Blue Star Memorials was achieved through petitions and cooperation with various state agencies.

The Blue Star Memorial Program has grown to extend thousands of miles across the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii.

All men and women who have served, are serving, or will serve in the Armed Forces of the United States are included.

Markers continue to be dedicated each year on highways, veterans’ facilities, national cemeteries, parks and civic and historic sites.