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