NEWS RELEASE

The Luther Burbank District of California Garden Clubs, Inc. will dedicate a Blue Star Memorial Marker and Garden at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building at 11am on Sunday, December 7, 2008.
 
The project began in spring 2007, with Garden Club member Debbie Platt, whose son was in the Marines, as the Project Chair. Eighteen months later, the marker is installed and beautiful gardens have been planted. Funding for the plaque and garden came from the Garden Club and the Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. The plants selected are predominately drought-tolerant California native species. There is also an olive tree, symbolizing peace, and a “Veteran’s Honor” rose bush.

The ceremony will feature 3rd District County Supervisor Tim Smith, and include speakers: Cathy Biggins, Garden Club District Director; Julie West, 2nd Vice President of California Garden Clubs, Inc.; Ruth Angevine, Blue Star Chairman of California Garden Clubs, Inc.; and Colonel Pete Peterka, President of the Redwood Empire Chapter – Military Officers Association of America and member of the Veterans Memorial Buildings Advisory Committee. The Honor Guard will present and retire the colors, and “Taps” will be rendered by bugler James Cutri of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

The Blue Star Memorial Marker Program of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. began in 1945 to honor the men and women serving in the Armed Forces during World War II. The dedication event will take place at 11am, with a reception in the Lodge room to follow at 11:30am. The community is invited. The Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building is located at 1351 Maple Avenue, across from the County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. For information, contact Debbie Platt at (707) 894-7419.