Submitted by Debby Walters, Botany Belles and Beaus Garden Club
BALDWIN, WI – On the evening of Thursday, May 15, 2025, the dedication ceremony for the Blue Star Marker Memorial was held at Windmill Park, in Baldwin, WI. The Blue Star Marker project was initiated and planned by the Botany Belles and Beaus Garden Club with great support from the Cave Dahl American Legion Post 240 and Auxiliary Unit 240, the Village of Baldwin Public Works Department, families of veterans, local businesses, and many other individuals.
First, what is a Blue Star Marker? The Blue Star Marker honors all of the men and women who serve in the United States Armed Services. Since WWI, a Blue Star Banner displayed in the front window of a home or business told others that a family member was serving in the Armed Forces. This practice continued during World War II, and in 1945 the National Garden Club instituted a program encouraging local garden clubs to install Blue Star Markers to honor those who have served us along highways and in parks, civic and historical grounds. Windmill Park is now one of those sites.
The dedication ceremony was well-attended despite the threat of severe weather and windy conditions which definitely reflected the support this community has for its veterans. The American Legion presented the colors and hoisted the flags. Baldwin-Woodville’s Music Department under the direction of Eric Becker, Chandra Lamb, Adam Bassak, and Amanda Arnold provided appropriate music selections and the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts participated by leading the Pledge of Allegiance and placing the memorial wreath created by Sue Auld. Greg Loock concluded the ceremony by playing Taps. We were pleased to have Ralph Freitag, a WWII veteran in attendance as well as Linda and Chuck McCafferty, the Wisconsin Garden Club Federation Chairs of the Blue Star Committee.
Perhaps the most moving words came from Marine veteran, Jeff Peterson. They were:
“It’s an honor to stand here today not just as a Marine, but as a proud father of two daughters serving in the Army. Our family has worn different uniforms in different times, but we’ve all been guided by the same values – duty, service, and love for this country.
And through it all, one thing has remained constant: the strength of this community. From the time I served, to the moment my daughters raised their right hands, we’ve always felt the support of our neighbors, friends, and local organizations. In a world that’s always changing, that kind of steady, genuine support means more than words can express.
In small towns across America, veterans are more than names etched in stone or uniforms once worn with pride, they are our neighbors, friends, teachers, first responders, and family. They are the familiar faces at the grocery store, the steady hands volunteering at the Legion, and the stories of service passed down over kitchen tables and campfires. They don’t ask for thanks, they just keep showing up.
To be a veteran in a small town is to live among those who remember. Who wave a little longer at the parade, stand a little taller during the National Anthem, and who understand that freedom isn’t just a word – it’s a legacy. Here, every flag raised is personal, every salute heartfelt.
This Blue Star Marker stands as a symbol of that understanding. A lasting tribute to those who served, and a reminder that in towns like ours, their sacrifice is never taken for granted.
Today, as we reveal this Blue Star Memorial, we’re not just honoring those who have served – we’re celebrating the deep roots of patriotism that run through generations. And I couldn’t be more proud – as a Marine, as a father, as a member of this town. To our veterans: Thank you! Your courage echoes in every corner of this town. Your service will never be forgotten and lives on in this community.
Thank you to all who supported this endeavor. Thank you to the veterans who served and those who will give of their time and talents in the future.”
