COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) — Members of a local organization joined city leaders in downtown Columbus Thursday for the dedication of a Blue Star Memorial Highway marker.
It's located in the median of Main Street near the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center, and it's there to honor the members of the armed forces.
"It means so much just to know that they're being honored and respected for their duty and for their service to the country," says Molly Jane Carpenter, Columbus resident.
The marker does more than just honor members of the military.
"Another addition that enhances our downtown area," adds Robert Smith, mayor of Columbus. "Also, [you can say] that it is an asset to the city."
This marks the first time for the city of Columbus to have a Blue Star Memorial Highway marker dedicated. A second one will be dedicated in a couple of days in Lowndes County.
That one will be taking place at a cemetery in Caledonia.
"That is very special because this cemetery...is going to be dedicated. There are numerous soldiers buried there," adds Doris Ebner, Galaxy Garden Club president. "It's an old, old family cemetery."
Residents of Columbus say having the marker visible in a high traffic area shows off the city's patriotism.
"We've got many people that come to Columbus that are tourists, and the very thought that they will notice this marker and be able to know that we respect people in the military and honor them so much," adds Carpenter, "I really think that they're going to look at this as being a sign that Columbus loves and respects the military."
There are around 2,300 Blue Star Memorial Highway markers across the United States.
Another marker will be dedicated at 11 a.m. Friday on the Highway 25 Bypass in Louisville near the Exxon station.
