Des Moines Memorial Drive is now a Blue Star Memorial Highway

A ceremony was held on president’s Day, 16 February 2026, at the flag triangle located at the southern end of Des Moines Memorial Drive, dedicating a plaque designating the drive as a Blue Star Memorial Highway.

Blue Star Memorial Highways are marked to pay tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces. The National Council of State Garden Clubs (Now known as the National Garden Club) started the program after World War II. The blue star reminds us of the blue stars used on traditional service flags, often hung in a home’s window, to denote a family member fighting in the war. Today Blue Star Highways have been designated in states all across America, and we are proud that Des Moines Memorial Drive has joined them.

We thank the Des Moines Garden Club and Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs, in cooperation with the City of Des Moines, who were responsible for obtaining the Blue Star designation.

Speaking at the ceremony were:
Judy Swortz, Chair of Washington State Blue Star Markers
Dorrie Carr, President of Washington State Garden Clubs
Teenie Dillinger, Co-President of the Des Moines Garden Club.
An honor guard was provided by American Legion Post 134, Burien.
A reception was hosted afterwards by Wesley Homes, Des Moines.