Community Gathers to Honor Military Families and Plant New Freedom Tree
GOLDSBORO, NC – On Wednesday morning, September 3, 2025, community members, veterans, and local officials gathered at Freedom Circle in downtown Goldsboro for the dedication of Blue Star and Gold Star memorial markers, along with the planting of a new Freedom Tree to honor military service members and their families.
Evergreen Garden Club Leads Community Initiative
The Evergreen Garden Club, founded in 1958, spearheaded the project that brought both memorial markers to their new, more visible location in downtown Goldsboro. Mischelle Carpenter, newly appointed president of the club, welcomed attendees to the ceremony, noting that the project was conceived and implemented in less than a year through the dedication of club members and community partners.
The initiative began in September 2024 when club members unanimously voted to erect a Gold Star memorial marker to honor families who lost loved ones in military service. The project expanded to include relocating the existing Blue Star marker from its original, less accessible location on Highway 70.
Relocating Markers for Greater Community Access
The Blue Star marker, which had stood on Highway 70 since 2013, was moved to Freedom Circle to provide better public access and safety for visitors. Paula Hartman, Blue and Gold Star chairperson for the North Carolina Garden Club, explained that the previous location made it difficult for people to safely visit and appreciate the memorial.
The new location allows for proper landscaping and creates a more fitting tribute to service members and their families. The site will feature enhanced gardening around the markers, maintained by the sponsoring garden club.
Understanding the Memorial Programs
Blue Star Memorial Program
The Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker Program began in 1945 as the first national project undertaken by National Garden Clubs. Originally created to honor World War II service members, the program was later expanded to recognize all who have served, are serving, and will serve in the armed forces.
The blue star represents the service flag that hung in windows of homes and businesses to honor sons and daughters away from home during wartime. There are currently 223 Blue Star markers throughout North Carolina and almost 3,500 nationwide.
Gold Star Families Program
The Gold Star Families Memorial Marker program was introduced in 2015 to recognize families whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice defending the United States. The program serves more than 1.7 million family members who qualify as Gold Star families.
The newly dedicated marker in Goldsboro is the ninth Gold Star marker in North Carolina and among 186 such markers across the United States. These markers bear the inscription “A tribute to all Gold Star families: honor, hope, healing.”
Honoring Local Military Legacy
The dedication ceremony took place at a site with deep historical significance for the Goldsboro community. Wayne County has contributed significantly to military service, with 256 local service members having given their lives for the nation.
Mayor Charles Gaylor and Representative John Bell IV spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing Goldsboro’s strong military heritage and the importance of community collaboration in honoring service members.
New Freedom Tree Continues Memorial Tradition
The ceremony also featured the planting of a new Freedom Tree, continuing a tradition that began in 1972. The original Freedom Tree was planted by former Mayor Tommy Gibson in honor of Captain Peter Cleary (now Major Cleary), a local hero who was shot down during his final mission over Vietnam and declared missing in action.
The original tree stood for more than 50 years before disease led to its removal in July 2025. Erin Fonseca, Director of the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation (DGDC), announced plans to create memorial benches from the salvaged wood of the original tree’s trunk.
Community Partnership Makes Project Possible
The successful dedication was made possible through collaboration between multiple organizations and individuals, including:
- Evergreen Garden Club
- Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation
- City of Goldsboro
- North Carolina Department of Transportation
- Representative John Bell
- Haithcock, Barfield, Hulse & King
- Grantham Grange
- Patriot Guards
- Landscape Design & Jericho Farms
- Goldsboro Elks Lodge
- Anonymous benefactors
City Manager Matt Livingston praised the unprecedented cooperation between volunteers, non-profits, and local government in bringing the project to fruition in just six months.
Future Enhancements Planned
Plans for the Freedom Circle area include installing a special marker to commemorate the history of the Freedom Tree and Captain Cleary’s story, ensuring the memorial’s legacy continues for future generations. The site will also feature Hometown Heroes banners and enhanced landscaping to create a lasting tribute to military service and sacrifice.
The dedication ceremony concluded with traditional military honors, including the presentation and retirement of colors by the Goldsboro Fire Department Honor Guard, the playing of TAPS, and a community reception at the Elks Lodge.
The memorial markers and Freedom Circle are located at the intersection of Center Street and Walnut Street in downtown Goldsboro and are open for public visitation year-round.
