STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A Veterans Day ceremony at the Blue Star Memorial, at the entrance to Fort Wadsworth, honored service members past, present and future.
The event was hosted by the First District Garden Clubs of New York, Inc., which represents more than 150 members from four Staten Island clubs: Castle Manor, Great Kills, Richmond Evergreen and Staten Island Garden Club.
The District maintains the Fort Wadsworth memorial and oversees beautification projects throughout the borough.
“This was a beautiful day and an honor to pay tribute to all our Veterans whose sacrifices have secured the freedom and safety we cherish,” said Suzanne Quinn, Blue Star Chair and past District director.
The Garden Clubs hold ceremonies at the memorial four times a year—on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day—inviting the public to join in honoring U.S. military service members.
For Veterans Day 2025, National Garden Clubs and Keep America Beautiful announced a joint effort to refresh and maintain these sites, focusing on litter removal, new plantings and landscape enhancements.
“We couldn’t 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,” said Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful.
She added: “Together, we’ll 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.”
“Blue and Gold Star Memorial Markers symbolize great pride in our nation’s veterans and are among the National Garden Clubs’ most treasured traditions,” said Donna Donnelly, President of National Garden Clubs, Inc. “Each 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.”
A Veterans Day ceremony at the Blue Star Memorial at the entrance to Fort Wadsworth honored service members past, present and future. The event was hosted by the First District Garden Clubs of New York, Inc., which represents more than 150 members from four Staten Island clubs. (Courtesy Suzanne Quinn)Courtesy Suzanne QuinnAbout the Blue Star Memorial Program
The Blue Star Memorial program, established by National Garden Clubs in 1945, honors all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces through memorial markers, gardens and designated “Blue Star Memorial Highways.”
Its name comes from the blue star displayed on service banners during World War II by families with loved ones in uniform. The organization later introduced Gold Star Markers to recognize families who lost a service member. More than 4,000 Blue and Gold Star markers are now placed across the country.
Those interested in membership or event information can attend a meeting or visit district1fgcnys.com.
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