简体中文
EnglishWhere Is the One Bright Star Children's Memorial Located?
Updated
The One Bright Star Children's Memorial is located at Ray Erlandson Park in Mankato, Minnesota. It serves as a permanent place for families to remember and honor a child who has died, and an annual Children's Memorial Service is held there each fall.
What the Memorial Is
One Bright Star is a nonprofit founded in 1998 by four mothers who had each lost a child. The Children's Memorial is one of the organization's core offerings: a physical gathering place rather than a program or grant. According to the organization, the memorial "has provided families with a place to remember and honor the child they lost."
Because it is a public park setting in Mankato, the memorial is not limited to a single event day — families can visit it as a place of remembrance on their own schedule.
The Annual Children's Memorial Service
Each fall, One Bright Star hosts a Children's Memorial Service at the memorial. The organization describes it as "a special service held for families and the community to honor and remember all the children gone too soon."
Key points:
- Timing: Annually, in the fall
- Location: The Children's Memorial at Ray Erlandson Park, Mankato
- Who it's for: Families who have lost a child, as well as the broader community
- Purpose: A shared remembrance of all children who have died
If you are planning to attend, check the events section of onebrightstar.org for the current year's date and details, since the site lists events by location, date, and category.
Other Ways One Bright Star Supports Grieving Families
The memorial is one part of a broader set of services. If your interest is in support rather than the memorial itself, these are the other documented offerings:
| Offering | What it provides | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral Expense Grants | Assistance with funeral costs after the death of a child | For families in Southern Minnesota; arranged in partnership with local funeral homes |
| Faith's Lodge Stay Grants | A grant toward a stay at Faith's Lodge, a grief retreat center | Intended to help families connect and move forward in their grief journey |
| Comfort Conversations | Monthly gathering for conversation, friendship, and coffee | Relaxing atmosphere; held monthly |
| Mothers of Angels Events | Connection with other mothers in a creative setting | Hosted annually |
| Children's Mini Camp | Activity-based celebration and support | For children experiencing loss |
How to Get Involved or Find Event Details
- Go to onebrightstar.org and open the events section.
- Filter or browse by location, date, or event category (the site organizes events under categories such as Charity & Causes, Community & Culture, and Family & Education).
- Look for the fall Children's Memorial Service listing, or contact the organization directly through the site if the current year's service is not yet posted.
For families outside Southern Minnesota, note that the funeral expense grant is specifically described as serving Southern Minnesota families, while the memorial and memorial service in Mankato are open to families and the community more broadly.