Eden Prairie Veteran Memorial

The Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial was dedicated on November 9, 2008. The memorial site is located at Purgatory Creek Park at Technology Drive and Prairie Center Drive.

The memorial entrance is highlighted with flag poles flying the American, Minnesota and MIA/POW (Missing in Action/Prisoner of War) flags. Before entering the memorial space, the walk slopes down a slight gradient into a forty-five foot radial paved area. A low concrete wall encircles a seating area and provides a sense of enclosure to the memorial space. The “Court of Honor” is surrounded by six concrete columns displaying bronze emblems representing each branch of military. A colored band of concrete paving extends from the base of each column and is in scripted with a creed defining the ideals of each branch of military. The vertical wall surface will display quotations describing sacrifice of veterans and the purpose and meaning of conflict with the goal of preserving the ideals of our society. The space will be an inviting area easily used for special event gatherings as well as to commemorate Veterans Day and Memorial Day events.

Located in the center of the “Court of Honor” the focal point is a sculpture representing the sacrifice and dedication of veterans. It would be positioned on a raised platform of prominence. A planting bed of shrubs and flowers provides a backdrop for the sculpture and providing a place for quiet reflection for visitors.

As the visitor moves through the space, another sculpture is dedicated to world peace as the ultimate goal Veterans strive to achieve as a result of conflict. The form is centered in a smaller radial circle enclosed with seat walls and text quotations describing the desire to achieve and maintain peace and freedom around the world. A backdrop of ornamental trees and shrub plantings provide a backdrop for this piece and the surrounding seating wall areas. Here the visitor can also take in open views to the adjacent waterfront and wetland area.

A sloping wall connection to the perimeter wetland path system on the south end of the memorial provides an exit and alternate entry to the space as well as lawn area connections on the east and west sides of the memorial.

www.epveteransmemorial.org

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