The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs held a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony over the weekend in Geddes (Aug. 10, 2024) to honor U.S. Army Sergeant Terry G. Rada.
The SD50 bridge over Pease Creek, east of Lake Geddes, was dedicated as the SGT Terry G. Rada Bridge. He was killed in action by an enemy grenade June 9, 1969, in South Vietnam, Quang Tin province.
“Our fallen heroes are no longer with us, but their memories live on in the hearts of their loved ones,” 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 so much, they were willing to lay down their lives to preserve our way of life.”
“We can never 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 will live on for 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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