On Saturday, 10 August 2013, the Portsmouth Garden Club dedicated the Blue Star Memorial Marker at the Portsmouth Free Public Library. It was a beautiful day after the rainfall the day before and the gentle breeze seemed to help us tolerate the warm temperature and lend itself nicely to the waving flags that were displayed by the Patriot Guard Riders Flag Line. An impressive sight! The Newport Artillery Company added just the right touch and flanked the Blue Star Memorial Marker.
The program began with the Welcome and Introduction given by Mistress of Ceremonies Carolyn Evans-Carbery who introduced members of the Town Council (J. Seveney, J. Blaess, D. Gleason, M. Magee) and Representative Linda Finn was also in the audience. Next, Cub Scout Pack 50, led by their Pack Leader, Cynthia Mello-Wolz, performed the Presentation of Colors and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. We were off to a beautiful start. Upon completion of the Pledge, Susan Rousseau sang the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ and you could hear a pin drop in the audience as they listened to her beautiful voice. Following the National Anthem, Reverend Michael Pike from the Portsmouth United Methodist Church gave the Invocation which made you aware of the solemnity of the ceremony; we were there to honor the men and women that have served, are serving and will serve in the Armed Forces.
Local authors, Beth Jackson and Frank Grzyb gave very moving speeches. Beth talked about being a Blue Star Mom and dealing with life’s events while her husband was deployed and Frank discussed what a monument means to a Veteran. Both received a standing ovation from an audience with tears in their eyes.
Find out what's happening in Portsmouthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Maria Nahom, New England Region Director of National Garden Clubs discussed the History of the Blue Star Marker. The Portsmouth Garden Club was honored by her participation in the ceremony. She discussed how the Marker, dating back to 1945, started with the New Jersey Garden Club planting thousands of Dogwood Trees along a stretch of highway in 1944. This was named the Blue Star Highway and currently covers 16,000 miles of highway throughout the United States.
After the History of the Marker, the Military Tribute was led by Carlton Johnson (Senior Vice Commander (SVC) of VFW Post-5390). Men and women of the Armed Forces, attending the ceremony, were called to the Marker. SVC Johnson displayed a beautifully painted flag holder, painted by a local person who wished to remain anonymous. It is proudly displayed at the base of the Blue Star Memorial Marker with a flag. He told the Veterans, from WWII to today, that the Marker was there for them. It has been placed at the Library to honor them for their service. This tribute was followed by the Newport Artillery Company firing a musket salute and Susan Rousseau leading the audience in ‘America the Beautiful’. There are no words that can express the feeling in the crowd.
Find out what's happening in Portsmouthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Unveiling of the Marker was accomplished by Annette Jarvis (Ex Officio, Portsmouth Garden Club) and Sofi Cofield (President, Portsmouth Garden Club). Its beauty was revealed and the audience took their first look at the words embossed on the 7 ½’ high, 4’ wide aluminum Marker. It reads:
“A tribute to the Armed Forces
that have defended the
United States of America
Sponsored by
The Portsmouth Garden Club
In Cooperation With
American Legion – Post 18, VFW - Post 5390
Ladies Aux. – Post 5390, Friends of Veterans
And
The Portsmouth Free Public Library”
Candace Morgenstern, member of the Tiverton Garden Club and Rhode Island Federation of Garden Clubs’ Blue Star Chairman gave a moving Dedication. She ended her portion of the program with the emotional words of:
“ALL TO SEE
LEST WE FORGET
THOSE WHO HELP TO KEEP US FREE”
A fitting tribute for these brave men and women! The Marker was accepted by Professor, Lt. Col. John Mangold (Commander, American Legion, Post-18), Christine Hayward (President, American Legion Auxiliary Unit-18), Carlton Johnson (Sr. Vice Commander, VFW Post-5390), Karyn Faircloth (President, Ladies Auxiliary Post-5390), Scott Jamieson (President, Men’s Auxiliary Post-5390). Financial donations were received from the American Legion-Post 18, VFW-Post 5390 and the Ladies Auxiliary, as well as their help and guidance in preparing for this ceremony and we greatly appreciated their assistance.
Sandi Tinyk, President, Rhode Island Federation of Garden Clubs and Roberta Stevens (Second Vice, Portsmouth Garden Club) presented the Floral Tribute. A grape vine wreath of white lilies, red gerber daisies, and blue irises that was created by Carol Carlone of Carlone’s Florist.
Chaplain Michael Nott, (VFW-Post 5390) gave the Benediction bringing a very emotional ceremony to a close. It was a day to be proud to be an American and have the opportunity to honor our military. The Portsmouth Garden Club would like to thank all that participated at Saturday’s ceremony.
You all made this a reality!
