The day before Veterans Day, Macon-Bibb County came together to honor the brave men and women who have served our country and the families who have sacrificed alongside them.

On Tuesday, November 10, community members, veterans, local leaders, and military families gathered at the newly transformed Rosa Parks Square in Downtown Macon for the rededication of the Blue Star and Gold Star Families Memorial Markers.

Originally dedicated in 2016, the markers were returned to the square following the park’s reimagination earlier this year, ensuring their messages of service, sacrifice, and remembrance remain part of the heart of Downtown Macon.

“While these markers may seem small in size, what they represent is incredibly significant,” said County Manager and Navy veteran Dr. Keith Moffett. “These markers are more than monuments. They are reminders of the courage, sacrifice, and commitment that have shaped our nation, and of the families who carry those sacrifices with them every day.”

The ceremony included a Presentation of Colors by the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, a prayer led by veteran and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Colonel Henderson Carswell, and a performance of the National Anthem by Central High School senior Audrey Windham Brown.

The Blue Star Memorial Marker honors all men and women who have served, are currently serving, or will serve in the United States Armed Forces. The Gold Star Families Memorial Marker recognizes families who have lost loved ones while serving our country.

“We can never fully repay the sacrifices made for our freedom, but we can make sure those sacrifices are never forgotten,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “My hope is that everyone who passes through this square, especially our younger generations, will see these markers and understand the importance of honoring those who have served.”

The Blue Star Memorial Program dates back to 1944, when the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs planted 8,000 dogwood trees as a living tribute to World War II veterans. The following year, the National Council of State Garden Clubs adopted the program, expanding it across the country. In 2015, the program grew to include Gold Star Families Memorial Markers, recognizing families who lost loved ones in service to our nation.

“These markers are the Garden Clubs’ way of saying Thank You to all who serve and their families who sacrifice so much for us each and every day,” said Jan Thiese, Chairman of the Garden Club of Georgia Gold and Blue Star Marker.

With their return to Rosa Parks Square, the markers will continue to serve as a place for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude. They are a lasting reminder that behind every uniform is a story of service, and behind every sacrifice is a family whose courage deserves to be remembered for generations to come.