On June 12th the Artesia Garden Club held a Blue Star, Gold Star Family dedication event. During the event, the city unveiled two new plaques honoring Blue Star and Gold Star families.
For context, the Blue Star symbol originated in World War 1. It started as a banner that was displayed in home windows by the families of military service members. The banner had a blue star against a white background for every immediate family member that was actively serving in the armed forces during a time of conflict. If a loved one passed away in the line of duty, that blue star was replaced with a gold star.
As part of the ceremony, Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Youtsey proclaimed June 12th as Blue Star, Gold Star Family Day in Artesia. The plaques make a wonderful addition to Baish Park. Thank you to everyone involved in getting these installed. The city would also like to thank Boy Scout Troop 228 and Cub Scout Pack 270 for being part of the ceremony.
The text of the Mayor Pro Tem Youtsey's proclamation can be read below:
PROCLAMATION
To honor and recognize military service members and their families
WHEREAS, a Blue Star banner, originated in World War 1, hung in a family’s home front window, signifies a member of the household is serving in the military; and
WHEREAS, a Blue Star replaced by Gold is a crushing one, as the change in color signifies the loss of that family member while serving; and, in an instant, a family is changed forever; and
WHERAS, we find examples of American greatness in military members who gave their lives for our country, and their Gold Star Families they left behind who bear the burden of their loss; and
WHEREAS, the pride of a military family can never be diminished, and we recognize the sacrifice that all Blue Star and Gold Star Family members make, and will continue to make; and
WHEREAS, we recognize the Blue Star and Gold Star Families in our city of Artesia and honor the memory of their loved ones who died while serving our Nation while on military duty; and
WHEREAS, the plaques before us recognize the sacrifice made by service members and honors the experience of military families, the ones hoping for a safe return, and those who will be reunited in paradise; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jeffrey Youtsey, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Artesia, New Mexico, do hereby proclaim June 12th, 2025 as
BLUE STAR, GOLD STAR FAMILY DAY
and encourage all citizens to join me in this worthy observance.