Sheridan Memorial Park

Only local residents seem to know that this circular, shield-like sculpture and memorial exist on the edge of the Mississippi River in northeast Minneapolis.

This small area of the park by the river was created in 2013 for Minnesota residents who fought in various wars, 10 of which are marked around the circle. A collaboration between local veterans, the Sheridan Neighborhood Association, and the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation board, the vision for the memorial was to testify to the need for peace, rather than to glorify war.

As visitors walk around the giant globe, which appears to be constructed of simplified shields, there are 10 tall plaques, each featuring a face, with a brief description of Minnesotans’ involvement in the war.  The writing on the plaques is inclusive and sensitive to the different elements of humanity impacted by the conflict described.