The Blue Star Memorial Highway program began near the end of World War II as a way to honor members of the United States Armed Forces. The blue star was taken from the service flags displayed by American families during wartime to indicate that a family member was serving in the military.

The National Council of State Garden Clubs adopted the Blue Star Memorial Highway program nationally in 1945. What began as a tribute to World War II veterans was later expanded to honor all men and women who had served, were serving, or would serve in the United States Armed Forces.

Fairbury's Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker is located along Route 24 at Graceland Cemetery. It was sponsored by the Fairbury Garden Club in cooperation with Fairbury VFW Post #9789, the City of Fairbury, and the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The marker and surrounding memorial garden were formally dedicated on Saturday, May 10, 2003, at 10:00 a.m. State and local officials participated in the ceremony. The Fairbury Garden Club continued to maintain the Blue Star Memorial Gardens in later years.

The marker remains a tribute from the Fairbury community to the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States.