The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony later this month to honor U.S. Army Sergeant Philip J. Iyotte.
The ceremony will be today (June 24, 2023) at 10:00 a.m. (CT) at the White River Community Events Center (501 3rd Street).
The Little White River Bridge on US HWY 83 will be dedicated to SGT Iyotte.
Iyotte was a member of Company E, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, assigned under 8th Army. He was declared missing in action on February 9, 1951, when he was captured by Chinese forces during Operation Thunderbolt. He died September 10, 1951, while a prisoner. His body was returned to the U.S. after the war, but remained unidentified until 2017 when he was returned home to his family.
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.
“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 the opportunity for 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.”
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