2019 marks the 90th anniversary of the Tioronda Garden Club. On this occasion, the garden club is proud to donate and present a Blue Star Memorial Marker to the City of Beacon, to honor all Beacon residents who have served and those serving currently to protect the freedom and safety of this nation.

Armed Forces Day - May 18

The ceremony will take place on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, 2019, at 11 am in front of Beacon City Hall, One Municipal Plaza, Route 9D. Denise Van Buren, First Vice-President General of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and a Blue Star Mother, will officiate at the dedication ceremony and unveiling.

The Tioronda Garden Club welcomes and encourages the public to join in this extraordinary event honoring all the brave men and women from Beacon who have served, past and present, to protect and preserve this great nation.

Blue Star Marker Program

The history of the Blue Star Marker program began in 1945 when the National Garden Clubs (the Tioronda Garden Club’s parent organization) was seeking a suitable way to honor World War II veterans. In 1951, the program was extended to honor all men and women of service in the armed forces of the United States. Rhode Island was the first state to adopt the memorial marker program, followed within three years by 32 more states. The Blue Star Memorial exists now all across the United States.

The event in Beacon on May 18 marks the first Blue Star Memorial Marker dedicated in Dutchess County. The marker measures 41 inches high by 45 inches wide, with an overall height when erected of 7 feet, 6 inches. It will be installed by the City of Beacon Highway Department.