Alta Vista Garden Club dedicates Blue Star Veterans' memorial marker

The Alta Vista Garden Club of Prescott dedicated a Blue Star Veterans' Memorial Marker at the entrance to the Rowle P. Simmons Community Center in Prescott on Sept. 10.

The Blue Star Memorial Program has been in existence through National Garden Clubs (now with over 500,000 members) for more than 65 years. These patriotic memorials, honoring the dedicated men and women in all branches of the armed forces can be seen throughout the United States. There are currently 12 such memorials in various locations throughout the state of Arizona, but this is the first Blue Star Memorial in Yavapai County.

AVGC President Kathleen Madeda stated, "We are thrilled that this project is now complete. More than 120,000 visitors pass by this area yearly, and many of them are veterans and their families. It is a way to convey our gratitude to the dedicated men and women in all branches of the Armed Forces who have served and are serving our country. "

The ceremony included the presentation of colors and bugler from the American Legion, the playing of "America" by the Veterans Memorial Pipers Corps, the invocation and benediction by Fr. Darrin Merlino of Sacred Heart Church, the acceptance of the marker by Prescott Councilman Charlie Arnold and the placement of the wreath, donated by Allan's Flowers.

This memorial has been given to the City of Prescott and was made possible with funds raised by the Alta Vista Garden Club's biennial Prescott Garden Tour. The next garden tour will be held in June 2016.

For additional information about the Alta Vista Garden Club, please visit altavistagardenclub.org.