Gold Star Blue Star Memorial - Commemorative Work Addition Request
Image. US Marines from the Marine Band. Wikimedia.
On October 7, 2025, Cole Trace, Legislative Liaison for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), submitted an application to CAAPB to add a new commemorative plaque to the Court of Honor honoring Gold Star and Blue Star families. CAAPB staff found the application complete on October 10, 2025. Review of the application is underway at CAAPB, following the process outlined in Minnesota Rules 2400.2703, Subpart 3.
Description
Gold Star families are those who lost an immediate family member in the line of duty during US military service. Blue Star families are families that have an immediate family member serving on active duty in the US military.
Located at the south end of the Minnesota State Capitol Mall, the Court of Honor is defined by curved walls on either side of the Minnesota WWII Veterans Memorial which display bronze plaques commemorating men and women who served and sacrificed in support of our state and nation. These plaques include memorialization of the Spanish American War, World War II, the Korean Conflict, a former Military Order of the Purple Heart Commander, the 194th Light Tank Battalion, among others.
The Minnesota State legislature authorized the addition of this plaque to the Court of Honor under S.F. 1959 in the spring of 2025.
Quick Navigation
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Latest Updates
Back to topCAAPB staff will hold a public hearing on whether this application fulfills the conditions for addition outlined in M.R. 2400.2703, Subpart 2. The public hearing will be held on July 21, 2026, from 4:00-5:00 p.m., at Capitol Commons (546 Rice Street, Saint Paul, MN 55103). See here for the full public hearing notice.
The public comment period will run from June 22-July 22, 2026. Interested persons may submit comments on whether the application meets ALL of the conditions in Minnesota Rules 2400.2703, Subpart 2 via email or mail until 4:30 p.m. on July 22, 2026. See here for the full public comment period notice.
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Next Steps
Back to topThe CAAPB Board will review public input and make a determination on the application’s advancement to site selection.
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Timeline
Back to topJune-July 2026: Public comment underway
June 4, 2026: CAAP Board authorizes its staff to open a public comment period and hold a public hearing on the addition request
October 10, 2025: CAAPB Staff finds submission complete
October 7, 2025: Application received
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Resources
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Contact
Back to topInquiries about this application or the general commemorative works application and review process can be sent to:
Ella Coon
Planning Fellow
Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board
Ella.Coon@state.mn.us
651-757-1508