Duck River Garden Club News Release : Ceremony to Dedicate Blue and Gold Star Memorials in Old Lyme

HONORING THOSE WHO SERVE: OLD LYME TO DEDICATE BLUE STAR AND GOLD STAR MEMORIALS
November 7 Ceremony to Recognize Military Service and Sacrifice Military Service and Sacrifice
The Duck River Garden Club of Old Lyme in partnership with the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen announced today it will host a ceremony dedicating new Blue Star and Gold Star Memorial markers at Old Lyme Town Hall. The markers will honor those who have served, are serving, and will serve in the United States Armed Forces, as well as families whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
The dedication ceremony will take place at Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The ceremony will include patriotic music, presentation of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, remarks from guests and community leaders, a history of the Blue Star and Gold Star Memorial programs, a military and Gold Star Families tribute, and the formal unveiling and dedication of the markers. A tribute of flowers and Taps will also be included. Members of the community are invited to attend.
The Duck River Garden Club is leading the project in partnership with the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen, which supported the purchase of the markers and approved their installation at Town Hall. The project is part of a national program sponsored by National Garden Clubs and is being undertaken in conjunction with the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The Blue Star Memorial program honors U.S. service members who have served, are serving, or will serve in the Armed Forces. The Gold Star Memorial honors the families of service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
The Blue Star Memorial program began in 1944 when the New Jersey State Council of Garden Clubs planted approximately 8,000 dogwood trees along a section of U.S. 22 as a living memorial to members of the Armed Forces. The concept grew into the nationwide Blue Star Memorial Highway program. Connecticut’s section of Interstate 95 from New Haven to the Rhode Island border was designated a Blue Star Highway in 1949, and the program later expanded to include Memorial and By-Way markers at civic locations, veterans’ facilities, parks and other sites. The Gold Star Memorial was subsequently added to honor families whose loved ones paid the ultimate price defending the United States. The dedication will provide the Old Lyme community with lasting symbols of remembrance and gratitude.
For more information about the Duck River Garden Club of Old Lyme and its programs, visit www.duckrivergardenclub.org