The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony today (May 31, 2023) to honor U.S. Army Corporal Kenneth L. DeGroot.
The ceremony will be at 1:00 p.m. (CT) at the CC Bar and Grill in Volga (121 Kasan Avenue).
The eastbound Big Sioux River Bridge on US HWY 14 will be dedicated to CPL DeGroot.
DeGroot, was a member of the 77th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Calvary Division and was killed in action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on September 7, 1951.
“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.”
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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