The Village of Algonquin, IL

A rededication ceremony was held on June 7, 2024, for the Blue Star Memorial Highway marker at its new location on the southwest corner of IL Route 31 and Huntington Drive in Algonquin. The event celebrated the dedicated efforts of the Algonquin Garden Club, which collaborated with the Village of Algonquin, the Algonquin Township Road District, and other community groups.

The Blue Star Memorial Highway program, established by the National Council of State Garden Clubs (now known as National Garden Clubs, Inc.) in 1945, honors the men and women who have served, are serving, or will serve in the Armed Forces of the United States. The program began in the spring of 1944 when the council decided to honor World War II veterans by beautifying areas across the country to create a pleasant and welcoming environment for soldiers returning home. The first Blue Star Memorial was established on US Route 22 in New Jersey, featuring over 8,000 flowering dogwood trees along a five-mile stretch named Blue Star Drive. This idea led to thousands of similar markers across the United States, including the first two in Illinois, installed in 1948 on US Route 40 in Troy and Marshall.

The Blue Star Memorial in Algonquin was originally dedicated on May 28, 2001, and was temporarily removed during the construction of the roundabout on the north side of Main Street. It has now been relocated and enhanced with a pollinator garden, completed by the Algonquin Garden Club. This garden continues the tradition of a living memorial, honoring those who have served while enhancing the beauty of the site.

Associated Documents

• Additional information
  • General Highway History - Blue Star Memorial Highways
  • National Garden Clubs, Inc.
  • History of Algonquin