NCDOT, Watauga, Boone Officials Recognize U.S. 421 As Blue Star Highway This Morning at Council Chambers

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NCDOT Board Member Sam Halsey, Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson, Watauga County Manager Deron Geouque and NCDOT Engineer Mike Pettyjohn pose beside a mini replica of the Blue Star Memorial Highway sign that will decorate the Watauga County line on U.S. 421. Photo by Ken Ketchie

By Jesse Wood

March 25, 2013. Officials with the N.C. Department of Transportation, the Town of Boone and Watauga County gathered at the Boone Town Council Chambers on Monday morning in recognition of U.S. 421 through Watauga County being designated as a Blue Star Memorial Highway.

Blue Star Memorial Highways are a tribute to the military. Initially the concept formed to solely honor World War II veterans. However, the program was expanded in 1951 to include all men and women who had served, were serving or would serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Last November, the N.C. DOT received approval from both the Boone Town Council and the Watauga County Board of Commissioners to designate U.S. 421 in Watauga as such.

The sign at the ceremony was a replica, and the full version will be located at both ends of U.S. 421 along county line in about two to three weeks, according to NCDOT Engineer Mike Pettyjohn.