Blue Star Memorial Marker unveiled at Kansas City VA

On June 6, Kansas City VA unveiled a Blue Star Memorial marker at its main campus, honoring all veterans.

The Blue Star became an icon during World War II and was seen on flags and banners in homes across America for sons and daughters serving overseas. This program has been active all those years, a truly fitting tribute to veterans, service members and the families who support them.

The Blue Star Memorial is a project of National Garden Clubs. It is a bronze plaque that is a tribute to the men and women—past, present and future—who have served in the Armed Forces. This program began with the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs planting 8,000 dogwood trees in 1944 as a living memorial to World War II veterans.

A Blue Star Memorial highway system covers thousands of miles across the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii.

“June 6, 2024, marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings along the Normandy coast during World War II. It is truly fitting to unveil the Blue Star marker in Kansas City today on the 80th anniversary commemorating those who served and will serve,” said Medical Center Director Paul F. Hopkins.

Strategic Partnership Officer and Gold Star spouse Stephanie Tuley-Fuson said, “Bringing the Blue Star Memorial to Kansas City VA was a project of key importance to me. I wanted to ensure that the medical center could provide veterans, their family members, caregivers and survivors with a memorial for all those who have served, are serving and will serve in the future.”