Blue Star Memorial Dedicated at Trafton Park

The Malta Dirt Daubers Garden Club dedicated the Blue Star Memorial at the Trafton Park Rest Area on Saturday with nearly 100 on a beautiful, sun-filled afternoon.

"We are gathered here to honor those who have served in the Military," said Commander of the Department of the Montana American Legion Roger Hancock of Lolo. "The Blue Star Memorial was created as one way to accomplish that task. But it is also a way to thank those veteran's family members. The Blue Star truly represents and honors those who live the military life in service and in support."

The Blue Star Memorial Program started in 1945 in New Jersey as a way to honor the men and women who had served in war. It has now expanded to include all men and women who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces.

The Blue Star was taken from the Blue Star Banners that were given to mothers of men serving in World War II. The Banners would hang in the windows of the families, explained Malta Dirt Dauber and Blue Star Mother Rosemary S. Veseth. The Blue Star banner program faded out during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts but started to see resurgence during Desert Storm, the Persian Gulf War and the war on terrorism.

"In 1947 the Garden Club in New Jersey decided that there should be something more permanent in the communities to honor the members of the Armed Forces," Veseth said. "They thought that there should be some type of permanent markers along the highways or maybe in parks."

Veseth said that all 50 states in the U.S. have Blue Star Memorials and the new memorial in Malta is the 15th in Montana.

"I am proud to say that the Dirt Daubers are the ones who sponsored this here based on the banners from World War II," Veseth added.

Wyatt Uphaus, who is currently in the U.S. Army and a resident of Malta, presented the American flag before the dedication began and Daniel Morton – a U.S. Border Patrol Agent – and his wife, Kerri (who was celebrating her birthday on the day) sang America the Beautiful and My Country Tis of Thee for the audience and then the Star Spangled Banner as the event began.

"I would like to congratulate the City of Malta on having this Blue Star placed in this very important place where people can see it," said Art Widhalm, Montana State Commander of the VFW.

Malta American Legion Post Commander Jay Southwick said that there are several Blue Star Banners in Malta that have two stars on them – meaning that the family that hangs the banner has two loved ones in the Military – and there is also a Phillips County family that has a three star banner hanging in their window.

"It just makes me to proud drive around town and see those flags hanging in people's windows," he said. "We are proud to be a part of this and I would like to thank Toni Ziegler for putting this together. She has done a great job."

Ziegler, who is Co-Chair of the Malta Dirt Dauber with Veseth, thanked everyone for attending the event before having Malta residents and military veterans Keith Stine and Gaylord Olsen took down to reveal the Blue Star Memorial before Joe Eskildsen laid a wreath before the plaque.

"Thank you for this," Eskildsen said. "I appreciate the honor."