After months of work, the Syracuse-Wawasee had a Blue Star Memorial placed in Veteran’s Memorial at Crosson Mill Park Sunday afternoon. Shown are Carol Koble, left, and Jo Butler unveiling the marker which has been placed by the cannon in the park. Approximately 50 people attended the dedication ceremony. (Photo by Lauren Zeugner)

Approximately 50 people attended the dedication ceremony of a Blue Star Memorial in Veteran’s Memorial at Crosson Mill Park Sunday afternoon. Members of the Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club have worked for months, filling out application forms and fundraising to have a memorial honoring all who have served in the armed services.

Members of American Legion Post No. 223 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1342 presented the colors. Dr. Jack Clark, gave the invocation, and special guests were introduced by Pam Schumm.

Jayne Kessler, chairman of the Indiana Blue Star Memorial Marker program gave a brief history of the Blue Star Memorial. The memorial was born out of the Blue Star flag family members of service men and women hang in their windows. After World War II the National Garden Club wanted to do something to honor those who had served and yet beautify an area. In 1947 a marker was designed for highways with Rhode Island to be the first to adopt it.

As more people wanted to honor veterans, the National Garden Club came up with a by-way marker, set on a rock, such as the one now in Syracuse, as a tribute to those who served.

“You have a beautiful place to put yours,” she said.

Schumm then recognized those who have served in the military. Sarah Nahmais, president of the Garden Club of Indiana, dedicated the maker, and Dave VanLue, president of the Syracuse Park Board, accepted the marker. “These ladies work tirelessly watering the plants in town and in the parks,” VanLue said as he thanked them for the memorial.

Girl Scout Sadie Grumme then placed a wreath in front of the memorial. The colors where then retired.