The Renton Senior Activity Center was adorned in U.S. Flags and red, white and blue on May 27 for the dedication of a Blue Star Memorial Marker, which started as a way to honor the men and women who served during World War II.

The marker is a program by the National Garden Clubs Inc., begun in 1945. The local sponsor is the Sunset View Garden Club of Renton.

The markers are dedicated each year on highways and at veterans’ facilities, national cemeteries, parks and civic and historic sites to show appreciation to those who have served the nation.

Dignitaries who attended included Mayor Denis Law, Marva Lee Peterschick, president of the Washington State Garden Club and members of the Renton City Council.

“Today, we are here to pay tribute to our armed forces,” said Peterschick.

The crowd sang “God Bless America.”

The marker was made possible by a grant from the City of Renton Neighborhood Program. The stone for the marker was donated by Marenakos Rock Center of Preston.