Here in my little city of Roanoke, Virginia where I grew up, a star has watched over the valley since 1949. Not just any star, but one that holds the claim to the world’s largest illuminated man-made free-standing star. Made of steel and concrete, the star has been considered a beacon of the city and on a clear night, the glow can be seen some fifty miles away.
So how did this come about? Back in the 1940’s, someone with a great sense of marketing proposed erecting the star to serve as a seasonal, Christmas decoration to shine over the city during the brisk holiday season. One assumes that people must’ve liked it as it still stands today, brightly lit every night since.
As a child I can remember always looking for the bright white star as nighttime approached. I can also remember the feeling of sadness when it went from white to red indicating a traffic fatality within the city. Since those days there’s been many changes to when it would be just white, or just red or red, white and blue. But regardless of the color, the star stands for a symbol of friendliness, industrial and civic progress as well as giving my little city the adopted nickname, Star City of the South.
Wow! What a really cool story memories for you. Thanks so much for sharing.
Luv U MORE, frissy, YEP!
Such wonderful childhood memories! I had the BEST! xoxo
Interesting to see that star after all this time. Not sure you know, but I have an old Blue Cross friend whose ashes were spread at the base of that star.
Oh wow! What a cool place to spread ashes! Great to hear from you and thanks for commenting!
I love how some things like this just last and last and last, Robin. The seed is planted and it grows forever. 🙂
BTW, I was born in Lynchburg, so your state is important to me. “Virginia is for lovers.” I remember when that was the state motto. 🙂 (Or maybe it still is?)
Amazing Ginnie! Lynchburg, I can’t believe it! And yes, “Virginia is for lovers” is still going strong! Thanks so much for stopping by! Big hugs!
Another great childhood story. xoxo
So many to share! I had a cinderella childhood! We didn’t have a lot of money, but there’s no price to put on a fantastic mom and dad!