The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs is now accepting nominations for South Dakota’s new “Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication” program. The first South Dakota state bridge was dedicated in November of 2019.

South Dakota plans to dedicate six state bridges a year in honor of fallen heroes that died while serving in combat. More than 3,000 South Dakotans have made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Our fallen heroes are no longer with us, but their memory lives on in the hearts of their loved ones and our state,” said Greg Whitlock, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. “Naming our South Dakota bridges in honor of our fallen will give us an opportunity of remembrance, reflection, and respect – for 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.”

Nominations are due by April 10 to the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs with all supporting documentation attached. The simple, online form is available at: https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/resources/Fal len%20Hero%20Br idge%20Dedicat ions/SDDOM%20 SDDVA%20Bridge%20Naming%20 Applicaton.pdf.

Nominators are encouraged to indicate their preferred state bridge site for their respective hero. To view the list of South Dakota casualties by county, visit: https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/resources/War%20Casualties%20y%20County.aspx

If you have any questions or need assistance completing the nomination form, contact Audrey Ricketts at the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Office at 605-773-8240 or Charles Mix County Veterans Service Officer Jerry Seiner at 605-481-1338