Inside KELOLAND: Remembering those who served pt. 2

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — On this special Inside KELOLAND we continue to honor and remember the lives of the men and women who have served in the U.S Armed Forces.

Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedications

More than 3,000 South Dakotans have made ultimate sacrifice. A statewide program is helping honor their memory.

The Fallen Heroes Bridge project is a partnership between the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Transportation.

Since it started in 2019, there have been more than 40 state bridges dedicated to South Dakotans who were killed in action or classified as missing in action.

Deputy Secretary Aaron Pollard says there are 12 dedications planned for this year.

State Veterans Cemetery

What was once a farm field north of Sioux Falls is now the final resting place for hundreds of veterans.

The South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery in northern Sioux Falls held its first burial in June of 2021. Since then more than 700 have been laid to rest in the cemetery.

The Department of Veterans Affairs will host a Memorial Day program at the Veterans Cemetery. It will take place on Monday, May 27th begin at 12:00 pm (CT). People are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

From the KELOLAND Archives

They are gone but not forgotten. The last surviving American veteran of World War I died in 2011.

In June of 1984 KELOLAND’s Kristi Petersen interviewed several World War I veterans.

They talked about their experiences and how they hope their service is not forgotten to the generations.

Unmarked Graves

This month people will take time to honor those who have gone before us. One organization is working to make sure everyone’s final resting place is remembered .

Members of the Independent Order of Oddfellows say there over 700 older graves that remain unmarked at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Sioux Falls.

Twice a year, the organization raises thousands of dollars to purchase markers.

They are also working to include veteran markers for unmarked graves.

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