As America honors its military veterans this Veterans Day, National Garden Clubs, Inc. and Keep America Beautiful庐 announced a joint initiative to remove litter, plant flowers, and beautify Blue Star and Gold Star Memorial Markers across the nation.听聽Blue Star Memorial Markers, marked by bronze plaques placed in gardens, parks, highways, and cemeteries, were first established by the National Garden Clubs in 1945 to honor all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Gold Star Memorial Markers were later created to recognize the families who have lost a loved one in service to our nation. Today, more than 4,000 Blue and Gold Star Memorial Markers across the country stand as enduring symbols of sacrifice, pride, and unity.
鈥淲e couldn鈥檛 be more pleased to be partnering with National Garden Clubs to bring renewed beauty and care to Blue and Gold Star Memorial Markers across the country,鈥� said Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. 鈥淭ogether, we鈥檒l transform the places where communities come together to reflect, remember, and give thanks for the sacrifices made by those in uniform and the families who stand beside them.鈥�
鈥淏lue and Gold Star Memorial Markers symbolize great pride in our nation鈥檚 veterans and are among the National Garden Clubs鈥� most treasured traditions,鈥� said Donna Donnelly, President of National Garden Clubs, Inc. 鈥淓ach one shares a story of courage, service, and patriotism. Our partnership with Keep America Beautiful will help ensure that these Memorial Markers continue to bloom with beauty, hope, and remembrance.
Local Keep America Beautiful affiliates will partner with National Garden Clubs members to enhance the areas around Memorial Markers by removing litter and debris, planting flowers and greenery, and restoring these cherished spaces. In honor of America鈥檚 250th Anniversary Celebration on July 4, 2026, there will be a special emphasis on planting red, white, and blue flowers.
National Garden Clubs and Keep America Beautiful will provide grants to local clubs and affiliates to support plantings and beautification projects. This collaborative effort unites the two organizations鈥� flagship initiatives鈥擪eep America Beautiful鈥檚 Greatest American Cleanup and the National Garden Clubs鈥� PLANT AMERICA Program鈥攖o engage volunteers and communities in joining together to care for the places that honor our nation鈥檚 heroes.
鈥淭ogether, we want every Blue and Gold Star Memorial Marker to shine as a living symbol of service, sacrifice, and the enduring beauty of a grateful nation,鈥� said Lawson and Donnelly in a joint statement.