‘Blue Star Memorial’ to be dedicated Friday in Corbin

The Corbin Garden Club is planting a tribute to the men and women who have, are now, or will service in the U.S. Armed Forces but it will not require any watering or pruning.

A Blue Star Memorial Marker will be dedicated Friday next to the Tri-County Veterans Memorial outside Corbin City Hall.

Carcille Burchette, a member of the Corbin Garden Club and the Recording Secretary for the Garden Club of Kentucky, said the plaques were initially installed in communities throughout the country to honor World War II Veterans.

Designed in 1917 by an Ohio man who had two sons serving in the U.S. Army, the blue star flags became common throughout the country during World War II. One blue star adorned the flag for each member in the service.

Burchette said she met with the national garden club during the club’s national convention.

“In the back of my mind, I remembered hearing about this,” Burchette said. “I thought, we need to get after this, especially in this climate where there has not been enough thanking and honoring of those who serve in the armed forces.”

Burchette said she spoke with other local clubs in an effort to raise the $1,470 to purchase the plaque.

With the assistance of the Elks Lodge, the Ossoli Club, the Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club and various individuals, the funds were raised in enough time so that it could be installed prior to Veterans Day.

“This will be the second one in the 17 counties that encompass the Mountain Laurel Garden Club District,” Burchette said, noting that Middlesboro has one and London is in the process of raising the funds.

“It has just been unbelieveable the amount of support we have received for this project,” Burchette said.

Burchette said fundraising is continuing with the goal of adding a second plaque in Corbin.

“We are thinking about putting it someplace where it will be visible to people coming into and leaving town,” Burchette said. “Maybe near the ‘Welcome to Corbin’ sign.”

Burchette said donations may be sent to her at:

Corbin Garden Club

C/O Carille Burchette

717 Redbud Place

Corbin, KY 40701.

“I cannot express enough how encouraging it has been to see the response we have received to this,” Burchette said.

Friday’s dedication will be held at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend.