HGA

Unanimously selected from a juried design competition, the Minnesota Military Family Tribute honors Minnesota's military families--past, present, and future. The Tribute explores the concept of home and family through spatial experiences, formal seasonal plantings and geological artifacts tied to the celestial sky. Located along the southern half of the Capitol Mall, the Tribute unifies the existing military memorials with a commemorative promenade.

Landscape architecture

The Tribute features three motifs: the Walk, the Gold Star Table and the Story Stones.

The Walk is expressed as a graceful arc that responds to the seasons. Rows of trees provide shade in the summer and vibrant colors in the fall. In the winter, the bare tree branches contrast with freshly fallen snow while in the spring flowering plants announce the entrance to the Tribute. The Gold Star Table, made of bronze at the promenade's western end, recalls the traditional family dinner table. A five-point foundation with a polished surface supports the table. Finally, the Story Stones comprise 87 large stones that represent the geological heritage of Minnesota's 87 counties. Arranged into northern hemisphere constellations along the promenade's eastern end, the Story Stones feature etched letters written between soldiers and family members.