Westminster, MD, Monday, May 13, 2024 – The Board of County Commissioners, Department of Recreation & Parks, and Carroll Garden Club will hold a Blue Star Memorial Marker Dedication & Park Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the Westminster Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, May 18, 2024, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The park is located at 355 Crest Lane in Westminster. The Blue Star Memorial Marker dedication is a program sponsored by the Carroll Garden Club

This event is open to the public and is a great opportunity to honor Veterans and learn more about this new park.

“I am honored and feel privileged to participate in this dedication ceremony and to be part of a project that means so much to so many,” said Commissioner Ed Rothstein. “This is a beautiful park that will provide a place for everyone to honor and acknowledge all Veterans and their selfless service while also allowing Veterans and their families and loved ones to have a beautiful and tranquil setting to remember and grieve. As a Veteran I am awed by the intention behind the Blue Star Memorial Marker program, and I sincerely appreciate the Carroll Garden Club for their sponsorship of this designation.”

“The Carroll County Department of Recreation and Parks is both excited and honored to officially unveil the new memorial garden which includes a Walk of Honor path and interpretive/commemorative plaques dedicated to each branch of our armed forces. This incredible display will honor all veterans who have served our country and their selfless dedication to the American way of life,” said Department of Recreation and Parks Director Bob Hicks.

The 33-acre park, opened in 2022, includes a walking trail, playground, picnic pavilion and free play area. The new area being celebrated during this ceremony marks the opening of a new memorial garden honoring Veterans.

According to the National Garden Clubs website, Blue Star Markers: “The Blue Star Program honors all men and women that serve in the United States Armed Services. This program began with the planting of 8,000 Dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs in 1944 as a living memorial to veterans of World War II. In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs (now NGC, Inc.) adopted this program and began a Blue Star Highway system that covers thousands of miles across the Continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. Blue Star Memorial Highway Markers were placed along the way. The Blue Star was adopted because it had become an icon in World War II and was seen on flags and banners in homes for sons and daughters away at war as well as in churches and businesses.”

For more information about the Carroll County Department of Recreation and Parks please visit the website ccrecpark.org or call the main office at 410-386-2103.