A Blue Star Memorial marker now graces the Ceres Community Center, thanks to a four-year planning effort of the Ceres Garden Club.
The marker, the first of its kind in Ceres, was unveiled at a special Saturday morning ceremony attended by members of the Garden Club, local veterans and local elected officials. The special marker continues to be erected by garden clubs all over the country.
The Garden Club raised $1,500 for the marker to honor all U.S. serviceman and women now serving and ever served to defend freedom.
The Blue Star Memorial program began in 1946 as a way to honor those who served and died in World War II. In 1951 the memorial was changed to include all men and women who had served, were serving or would serve in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Guests were treated to music played by the Knight Sounds under the direction of Glenn Mount. The ceremony included a display of military vehicles and a special flyover by Don Monaco in a World War II era military training aircraft.
State Garden Club president Maryanne Lucas dedicated the marker to the city, which was accepted by Mayor Anthony Cannella. Judy Laird, the state chairman of the Blue Star Memorial Committee, also attended as did other state and district garden club officers.
Local dignitaries attended as well as California State Garden Club first vice president Julie West. Veterans groups included the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The marker, the first of its kind in Ceres, was unveiled at a special Saturday morning ceremony attended by members of the Garden Club, local veterans and local elected officials. The special marker continues to be erected by garden clubs all over the country.
The Garden Club raised $1,500 for the marker to honor all U.S. serviceman and women now serving and ever served to defend freedom.
The Blue Star Memorial program began in 1946 as a way to honor those who served and died in World War II. In 1951 the memorial was changed to include all men and women who had served, were serving or would serve in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Guests were treated to music played by the Knight Sounds under the direction of Glenn Mount. The ceremony included a display of military vehicles and a special flyover by Don Monaco in a World War II era military training aircraft.
State Garden Club president Maryanne Lucas dedicated the marker to the city, which was accepted by Mayor Anthony Cannella. Judy Laird, the state chairman of the Blue Star Memorial Committee, also attended as did other state and district garden club officers.
Local dignitaries attended as well as California State Garden Club first vice president Julie West. Veterans groups included the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
