The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs is accepting nominations for South Dakota’s “Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication” program.
South Dakota has dedicated 18 bridges honoring 21 heroes since dedications started in 2019. To learn more about the program and to view stories on bridge honorees, visit the Bridge Dedications page on the SDDVA website: https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/resources/Fallen%20Hero%20Bridge%20Dedications/Bridge%20Heroes.aspx.
In 2022, South Dakota will dedicate six more state bridges in honor of fallen heroes that died while serving in combat or are classified as missing in action. More than 3,000 South Dakotans have made the ultimate sacrifice. To view the list of South Dakota casualties by county, visit the page listing South Dakota War Casualties by County on the SDDVA website: https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/resources/War%20Casualties%20y%20County.aspx
Naming South Dakota bridges in memory of our fallen gives us an opportunity for remembrance, reflection, and respect – honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to this nation. They cherished liberty and loved freedom enough to lay down their lives to preserve our way of life.
The family of fallen hero Greg Wagner expressed their appreciation for the bridge dedication program in 2021. Wagner's brother Dan said, "We are infinitely appreciative and thankful for the honor bestowed on us by Governor Kristi Noem and the Department of Veterans Affairs in honoring our hero.” “South Dakota’s fallen hero bridge dedication is wonderful and with the naming of the bridge over the James River on SD Highway 38, we now have another way to keep our hero's memories alive.”
Nominations are due by April 1 to the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs with all supporting documentation attached. The simple, online form is available on the Bridge Dedications page on the SDDVA website at:
Nominators are encouraged to indicate their preferred state bridge site for their respective hero.
** SDDVA Secretary Whitlock is available for interviews on this great project honoring our heroes.
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