EVENTS

Blue and Gold Star marker Dedication

Saturday, November 11, 2023

The Beaverton Veterans Memorial Park on SW Watson Ave has received a new Blue Star marker and a new Gold Star marker. Blue Star markers honor people who are serving, who will serve, or who have served in the American military. The Gold Star marker honors servicemen and women who have lost their lives in combat.

There was a dedication ceremony on Saturday, November 11, hosted by Beaverton Garden Club. Speakers included Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty, an Iraq War veteran; Jeff Keller, manager of the USO at PDX Airport, whose son was killed by enemy fire in Afghanistan in 2012; and Todd Swanson of the Military Order of the Purple Heart division of the American Legion.

Also attending were Oregon State President Carolyn Olley, Oregon State Parliamentarian Mike Stewart, Oregon State Past President Gaye Stewart, celebrant Ernie Claeson, a Color Guard including Eagle Scouts from Beaverton Scout Troop #618,and many members of the Beaverton Garden Club and several others. Denise Tomasovic was the soloist and sang “God Bless America” as the church bells nearby rang at 11:00.

These markers were installed by Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation Department at no charge to the City of Beaverton or the Veterans Memorial Park.