Date:
Monday, October 29, 2007
Contact:
Meagan McFadden, WSDOT Communications, (509) 577-1618
Dozens attended the dedication of two Blue Star Memorial Highway markers on October 5, 2007 at WSDOT’s Indian John Hill Safety Rest Areas on Interstate 90. This is the first rest area location in the nation where both eastbound and westbound rest areas have memorials.
The markers are made possible by the hard work of the National Garden Club’s Blue Star Memorial Marker Program, which began in 1945 to honor men and women serving in the Armed Forces during World War II. The Blue Star Memorial Program has grown to extend thousands of miles across the United States. Each year markers appear along highways, veterans’ facilities, national cemeteries, parks, and civic and historic sites. The two new additions bring a total of three markers in our region. The other marker is located in Toppenish on Highway 22 near the junction with I-82 and US 97.
“WSDOT has received rave reviews in how we have worked with the Blue Star Program, both here and on the west side,” said Troy Suing, WSDOT Assistant Regional Administrator for Program Management, who attended the event.
The Blue Star Memorial Markers are made of cast aluminum and stand 7 feet 6 inches tall. WSDOT maintenance crews installed the new marker at the Indian John Hill Safety Rest Area and in order to keep maintenance costs to a minimum, the local chapter of the National Garden Club will complement the markers with native plants.
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