By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The Alabama National Cemetery dedicated a Blue Star Memorial Marker on Saturday, April 15.

“In remembering today, we dedicate this Blue Star Marker to the honor and glory of all those men and women who have served, are now serving and will serve in the Armed Forces of this great nation,” Montevallo Evening Garden Club president Melanie Poole said.

The marker was placed as part of the Blue Star Memorial Program. The National Council of State Garden Clubs – now known as The National Garden Clubs, Inc. – started the program in 1945 to honor those serving in World War II, according to Garden Club of Alabama president Tricia Mitchell.

The program has since expanded and continues to erect markers along highways, at veterans’ facilities, in national cemeteries and at civic and historic sites.

Mayor Hollie Cost acknowledged the dedication of the marker on behalf of the city of Montevallo.

Glenn Nivens with the Blue Star Salute of Alabama read a proclamation from Governor Kay Ivey acknowledging the dedication of the Blue Star Memorial Marker.

Nivens and Marshall Goggins represented the Blue Star Salute of Alabama at the program. The Blue Star Salute organizes an annual day to honor military, veterans and fallen soldiers. The group also attends deployment ceremonies of military units to show their support.

ALNC director Quincy Whitehead and cemetery caretaker supervisor Brian Hudson accepted the marker after its dedication.

The Montevallo Evening Garden Club placed a wreath as Robert Robinson played the guitar and sang “Angel Flight” by Radney Foster. The song honors fallen soldiers and references the flight of a military plane bringing the deceased home to the U.S.

The ceremony concluded with a benediction and the playing of taps.