Events – Blue Star

Jerry Shaffer Named Grand Marshal of Crystal Lake Independence Day Parade

msharma — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:55:42 +0000

Once again, the Blue Star Banner Program was proud to participate in the Crystal Lake Independence Day Parade, joining the community in celebrating our country’s 250th anniversary. The highlight of the day was honoring our own Jerry Shaffer, who was named Grand Marshal of the parade. Jerry Shaffer’s contributions to Crystal Lake have been enormous, and his dedication to our city and the Blue Star Banner Program is truly legendary. Congratulations, Jerry Shaffer—Crystal Lake loves you!

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Plaque Dedication

msharma — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 12:33:36 +0000

In celebration of America 250, the Fox River Valley Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), dedicated an America 250! Patriot Marker at historic McCormick Park in Crystal Lake, Illinois, on July 12 at 1:00 p.m. The Blue Star Banner Program was invited to attend this special community event honoring America’s founding and the enduring spirit of patriotism.

McCormick Park holds a special place in Crystal Lake history as the site of the community’s original town square, established in 1836. Today, the park continues to serve as a place of remembrance, honoring Gold Star Veterans and Blue Star Banner families. The chapter is also partnering with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders to promote patriotic engagement, including a downtown “Best America 250! Storefront” celebration.

In preparation for the dedication, the City of Crystal Lake partnered with the chapter to enhance three flower beds in the park with red, white, and blue plantings, with the America 250! Marker prominently placed as part of the display. The ceremony was hosted by Crystal Lake Mayor Haig Haleblian and Fox River Valley Chapter Regent Barb Targowski.

Following the dedication, guests were invited to attend a Cherry Blossom Tea Party at First Congregational Church, located behind the park, featuring refreshments and patriotic cupcakes.

Depot Park Opens with Rededicated Veterans Memorial

msharma — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:01:20 +0000

Members of the Blue Star Banner program in Crystal Lake celebrated the grand opening in June of the newly revitalized Depot Park, the beautiful gathering space and self-proclaimed “front yard” of the community located in downtown Crystal Lake right next to the Metra train station.

One of the highlights of the event was the solemn rededication of the Veterans Memorial, now relocated to a more prominent spot within the park. The Blue Star Banner Program designed new plaques to honor the service and sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan of five young Crystal Lake men. We also placed a flag for each of there Heroes around the Memorial on a temporary basis. The families of these five service members were present at the ceremony and are known as Gold Star families, indicating they have lost a loved one in service to our country.

When one of our service members gives his or her life in service to our country, behind that Fallen Hero is a family that has been forever changed. Those family members suffer a loss that words can’t explain, yet they continue their permanently altered lives with profound courage.

To America and the City of Crystal Lake, these Heroes gave their lives so that we could sleep peacefully in the freedom they made possible. The steadfast endurance of the Gold Star Families serves as a testament to the love of country their family members demonstrated in service and sacrifice.

BSB Program Presents Banners to Families

Bob Teiken — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 22:13:49 +0000

On December 4th, 2025, a Banner Presentation Ceremony was held at City Hall to present Blue Star Banners to the families of our most recent honorees. Mayor Haig Haleblain gave banners to the families of Marine Corps Cpl Estevan Correa, Army National Guard Sgt Michael Anthony Garcia, Navy EMN2 Nathaniel Leali, Army National Guard Spc Owen Nebel, and Marine Corps PFC Ian J. Zoglmann.

We are grateful to our Crystal Lake Heroes who serve our nation and to the families who, in their own way, serve as well.

McHenry County Patriot Run 2025

Bob Teiken — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 16:33:32 +0000

Patriot Run Race Director Trudy Wakeman presented the BSB Program with a check last week. We are so grateful to everyone involved in the planning and execution of this race, which benefits our program as well as Veterans Path to Hope. Thank you all!!!