Unveiling ceremony for the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in Mantorville.

Saturday, families and community members gathered at the unveiling and dedication ceremony for the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in Mantorville, Minn.

The memorial is the first of its kind in the state and honors the families of men and women who sacrificed their lives serving in the military.

Pride patriotism and emotion filled the square at the ceremony.

Stories were shared and tears were shed as familiy members talked about what the memorial means to them, as well as the community.

They say the monument is more than just a memorial to pay tribute. It’s a space where families can remember their loved ones and grieve.

"My parents do a great job of keeping my brothers name alive and not everybody does because it’s not how they grieve. Just remembering people that died because that’s so important to the families that our loved ones are not forgotten," Emily Woslager, a gold star family member, said.