Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication nominations due April 1

The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs is accepting nominations for South Dakota’s “Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication” program.

Application deadline is April 1, 2021, and nominators are encouraged to indicate their preferred state bridge site for their respective hero.

South Dakota has dedicated seven bridges honoring nine heroes since the program started in 2019. This year (2021), South Dakota will dedicate six more state bridges in honor of fallen heroes that died while serving in combat or classified as missing in action. More than 3,000 South Dakotans have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Greg Whitlock says the memories of the fallen heroes live on in the hearts of their loved ones and the state. He says naming bridges in honor of the fallen provides an opportunity for remembrance, reflection and respect– honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to this nation.

Nominations are due by April 1 to the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs with all supporting documentation attached. The online form is available at:

https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/resources/Fallen%20Hero%20Bridge%20Dedications/SDDOM%20SDDVA%20Bridge%20Naming%20Application.pdf.

To view the list of South Dakota casualties by county visit https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/resources/War%20Casualties%20y%20County.aspx.