The Blue & Gold Star Memorial Marker Program: Honoring Our Armed Forces
The Blue & Gold Star Memorial Marker Program: Honoring Our Armed Forces
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In a proud collaboration with the Miami Beach VFW Post 3559, the Miami Beach Garden Club (MBGC) has established a permanent Armed Forces Memorial at the southeast end of Canopy Park. Located directly across from the VFW Post home, this sacred space serves as a peaceful sanctuary for veterans, their families, and the community to gather, reflect, and honor those who protect our freedom.
The Memorial Elements
The Memorial Elements
The site integrates history, gratitude, and patriotism through four distinct elements:
The Historical Blue Star Memorial Marker: Florida's very first Blue Star marker, preserved in its original historical state.
A New Gold Star Memorial Marker: Dedicated to honoring the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, and the families they left behind.
An Armed Forces Insignia Plaque: Featuring the official seals of all six branches of the United States Armed Services.
A Granite Commemorative Monument: A beautifully engraved stone detailing the rich history and significance of the Blue and Gold Star programs.
The Incredible Journey of Florida’s First Blue Star Marker
The Incredible Journey of Florida’s First Blue Star Marker
The centerpiece of our memorial has a deep, 76-year history rooted in Florida's heritage:
1949 (Key West): Dedicated on Memorial Day (May 30, 1949) at the terminus of US Highway 1 in Bay View Park, it was the very first Blue Star Marker in the State of Florida.
1980 (Alton Road): After the Key West Garden Club replaced it, the original plaque was gifted to the MBGC. We refurbished it and rededicated it at the terminus of the Julia Tuttle Causeway on Alton Road, where it stood proudly for 39 years.
1980 - Alton Road
Survival: Battered and warped, this silent sentinel even withstood the wrath and fierce winds of Hurricane Andrew.
2019 (Decommissioning): When MBGC successfully petitioned the State to grant Alton Road Memorial Highway status, a brand-new marker was installed. The historic 1949 plaque was officially decommissioned as an active highway marker.
Why we chose not to restore it: "MBGC decided that we should not fully restore this old Blue Star plaque, but instead display it with all of its rust, cracks, and warps to fully appreciate the character, gravitas, and history that its long journey accords it." — Leticia Gunn, FFGC 2nd VP
Our Expanded Stewardship: Guardian of Orphaned Markers
Our Expanded Stewardship: Guardian of Orphaned Markers
Our work with the 1949 marker opened our eyes to many "orphaned" historical markers across the country—left behind when older garden clubs ceased to exist.
We believe in honoring our history, which is why the Miami Beach Garden Club has also formally adopted the Tropical Hibiscus Garden Club Marker (located at 46th Street and Biscayne Blvd). In 2022, our club refurbished the marker and its surrounding landscape. We continue to care for it and place a remembrance wreath there on every single patriotic holiday.
Blue and Gold Star Memorial Marker Unveiling Ceremony - November 9, 2025
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