The theme of the June 20 Blue Star Memorial ceremony is to remember all that soldiers do for their country.
"May we pause, reflect and give thanks for what our soldiers do as we pass this marker in the midst of our busy lives," said the Rev. Jay Click of Grace Presbyterian Church.
Blue Star Memorials are erected on Blue Star Memorial Highways by community garden clubs. There are no names on any of the memorials, because the purpose is to pay tribute to all military personnel. Rilla Krane, president of the National Capital Area Garden Club, said that the memorial "stands as a symbol for all to see, lest we forget those who keep us free."
Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Z. Grimes gave a small account of his experience during World War II to support the importance of having such memorials.
"I knew four people who were killed during the war that are being honored by this memorial here," Grimes said as he pointed to the newly erected memorial on Old Keene Mill Road. His story of the lose of his four fellow service men was recorded in "The Freedom Line: The Brave Men and Women Who Rescued Allied Airmen From the Nazis During World War II," by Peter Eisner.
"It was a lovely ceremony and it is wonderful to do these community gatherings, these types of events bring a small-town feel and bring everyone together," Springfield Acres Garden Club member Lynn Nelson said. "It is not only a well-deserved memorial but a bonding experience as well."
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Marian Assembly 4th Degree acted as color guard for the ceremony and Tuck Hord of the U.S. Navy escorted all speakers to the podium. Den 7 Cub Scout Frank Guest Jr. lead those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance and the vocals of Cheryl Perry singing the national anthem and the prayer by Click opened the dedication ceremony.
Capt. Richard D. Kiggins of the U.S. military laid the wreath before the marker. The dedication closed with a benediction led by Camilla Hicks of the Springfield Acres Garden Club as well as a jazzy rendition of God Bless America by four members of the Springfield Chorale Group.
"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea, let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free, let us all be grateful for a land so fair, as we raise our voices in a solemn prayer," as written by Irving Berlin in 1918. This was read prior to the close of the ceremony with taps, as a final reminder to never forget the soldiers.