Flag Day was commemorated on the Murfreesboro square Thursday (6/14/2013) with the dedication of a Blue Star Memorial Marker that was backed by a patriotic program created by local garden clubs.

Garden Clubs Make Marker Possible

Local Chair of the Project Pam Dowd told those gathered on the west side of the historic courthouse that County Mayor Ernest Burgess assisted in obtaining permission from the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners to locate a Blue Star Memorial Marker here. 

Dowd told WGNS News what happened at the courthouse on Thursday . . .

This Flag Day marks the 235 anniversary of the Second Continental Congress action in 1777 with the adoption of the United State's flag. It also marks the anniversary of the U.S. Army, which was established two-years earlier by Congress. 

The Blue Star Memorial Marker program was begun in 1945 by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. It was established to honor the men and women serving in the Armed Forces. 

Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Thomas Hickerson spoke about military pride. 

Colonel Hickerson explained how the Blue Star Marker relates to his three decades in the service . . .

Blue Star Program

The local Garden Clubs that sponsored the Blue Star Memorial Marker include Flower Growers, Flower Lovers, Optimistic Gardeners and the Stones River Garden Club. A representative from each branch of the Armed Forces, city and county officials and garden club members participated in the Flag Day and Marker dedication that begin at 10:30 Thursday morning on the Murfreesboro square. 

The Blue Star Memorial program has markers across the U.S., Alaska and Hawaii. Marker are place at historic sites like the Rutherford County Courthouse, as well as highways, veterans' facilities, national cemeteries, parks and other public locations. 

Flower Growers Garden Club member Elsie Stem, who retired last November 11th from years of coordinating the local Veteran's Day activities, gave the benddiction. After that, the Tennessee Army National Guard played TAPS.