Crazy Horse Memorial shines red to support tourism

Crazy Horse Memorial® was bathed entirely in red yesterday evening (May 3, 2021) in support of National Travel and Tourism Week May 2-8.

Additionally, May 3 is “Korczak Day” in South Dakota! On that day in 1947, Korczak Ziolkowski arrived in the sacred Black Hills at the invitation of Chief Henry Standing Bear to begin construction on the memorial of Oglala leader Crazy Horse honoring all indigenous people of North America. In 1983, the South Dakota Legislature honored the sculptor with a proclamation officially calling attention to his dedication to honor the Indians of North America.

The tourism industry accounted for roughly 1 in every 12 jobs in South Dakota last year, bringing in $3.4 billion through visitor spending – which resulted in a tax savings of $780 per household. There is no question that travel and tourism in South Dakota played a key role in our state’s economic recovery. The travel and tourism industry is a significant contributor to the U.S. economy and supports millions of hard-working Americans, and throughout National Travel & Tourism Week, South Dakota landmarks will be lit red – the official color of NTTW – to show support for the tourism industry and illuminate the Power of Travel.