The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs held a State Fallen Hero Bridge Dedication Ceremony yesterday (Nov. 11, 2022) in Wagner honoring U.S. Navy Seaman Second Class Wayne A. Bridge.
The Choteau Creek River Bridge on HWY 46, east of Wagner, will be dedicated to this war hero.
Bridge served during WW II on the USS Indianapolis. With over 1,200 men on board, the ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine on July 30, 1945, while steaming between Guam and Leyte. The vessel, along with 880 members of her crew perished in the Pacific Ocean. Bridge was among those reported killed in action.
“Whenever and wherever this nation has called, in times of darkness and danger, as well as in times of peace and prosperity, veterans have been there and have proudly carried the torch of liberty for all to see,” said Greg Whitlock, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Our fallen heroes are no longer with us, but their memories live on in the hearts of their loved ones and our state,” said Whitlock. “Naming our South Dakota bridges in honor of our fallen gives 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.”
Naming bridges in honor of our combat veterans who died while serving their country is an initiative of Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Departments of Military, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs.
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