The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor U.S. Army Corporal John C. McDowell.
The ceremony will be Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. (CT) at the Travel Plaza in Corsica (HWY 281 and Main Street).
SD44 bridge over Andes Creek, just west of US 281, will be dedicated as the CPL John C. McDowell Bridge.
John began his tour of service on September 30, 1967, during the Vietnam War. A traumatic event ultimately resulted in the loss of his life on January 9, 1968, in Long Kkanh province, South Vietnam.
“Our fallen heroes are no longer with us, but their memories live 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 gives us the opportunity for remembrance, reflection, and respect. It helps us to honor 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.”
“We can never underestimate or over appreciate the costs they bore for us,” said Whitlock.
“We must never forget that our fallen sacrificed their future and their dreams. Their memories can only live through the accomplishments to present and future generations.”
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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