Bloomington Veterans Memorial
Bloomington Veterans Memorial
-
Bloomington, MN
-
Bloomington Remembers Veterans
-
s
-
Master Planning
Design
Interdisciplinary Coordination
LEO A DALY has been working with Bloomington Remembers Veterans, in partnership with the City of Bloomington, since 2020 to design and fundraise for a Veterans Memorial that celebrates the contributions of service of Bloomington community members and all who have served. After an extensive outreach campaign, LEO A DALY identified “Service” as the theme for the memorial to acknowledge those who have made a commitment to serve, in all roles of service.
Envisioned as a place for the community to honor and share its history, the memorial was designed to encourage:
HONOR: Honoring those who served in a time of war and especially those who gave their lives serving their country, the memorial will demonstrate the community’s commitment to its veterans who have made great sacrifices.
REFLECTION: To reflect on the sacrifices that have been made, the memorial will be a special place for all, particularly close friends and family members of veterans.
EDUCATION: Visitors will gain an understanding of the greater context surrounding conflicts as well as the personal sacrifices made by veterans throughout American history.
COMMUNITY: By gathering together to pay respect, the community can engage in celebrations, concerts, and commemorative activities honoring individuals, historic events, and more.
Designed as a collaboration between LEO A DALY, Damon Farber and SEH, the memorial is conceived as an immersive path within Harrison Park in Bloomington. It guides visitors through a sequence of spaces that invite reflection, conversation and shared experience, culminating in an Honor Plaza designed to host community gatherings.
Along the path, visitors encounter elements inspired by military dog tags, supported by an armature, composed of six stainless steel branches representing the six branches of U.S. military service. These elements rise from the ground and converge toward a shared center, symbolizing unity through service. Some tags bear individual veterans’ names and connect to a digital platform where stories of service can be shared through recorded stories and videos. Other tags remain intentionally unassigned, representing veterans whose stories are unnamed but no less honored.
The experience concludes at a contemplative outdoor room framed by trees and anchored by a light at the end of the path — a symbolic and open‑ended element representing reflection, hope, and continuity. Throughout the memorial, spaces are designed for multiple audiences and uses, including benches arranged for small group learning, a gently curving wall that forms a one‑step amphitheater for school groups and ceremonies, and a discreet kiosk providing veteran suicide prevention resources.
Learn more or participate through Bloomington Remembers Veterans.
