View the newest Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker in the United States (installed on Memorial Day 2005 – May 30). The Blue Star Memorials were first conceived after World War II to honor veterans. They were later changed to all members of the armed services past, present, and future and became a project of the National Council of State Garden Clubs. The garden clubs felt this highway beautification project was a fitting memorial to the men and women who have fought or are now serving in the defense of our country. Funding for this marker has come from 6,884 members of the 259 clubs of the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs. Each memorial is installed along with a memorial garden. The one in Carroll County is in honor of Richard Strauser.