PIERRE — The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting 12 fallen hero bridge dedication ceremonies this year, honoring 15 veterans.

In 2019, Gov. Kristi Noem and the South Dakota departments of Veterans Affairs, Military, and Transportation launched the Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication Program with the mission of dedicating state bridges to South Dakotans who were killed in action while serving their country or classified as missing in action.

This year’s 12 bridge dedications include:

• June 29 — Lt. Donald R. and Sgt. Fred H. Harms, Tripp American Legion Post 142 (102 S. Main Street), 2 p.m. CDT.
• July 3 — Sgt. Lelund M. Kahler, Belle Fourche Rec Center (1111 National St.), 2 p.m. MDT.
• July 10 — T/5 Harald Haraldsen, Buffalo Lions Civic Center (210 State Road 20), 2 p.m. MDT.
• July 19 — Cpl. Russell N. Ferdig, Elk Point United Parish (2102 E. Main St.), 2 p.m. CDT.
• July 24 — Cpl. John C. McDowell, Corsica Travel Plaza (U.S. Highway 281 and Main Street),  11 a.m. CDT.
• Aug. 2 — Pfc. John Tuin, Estelline American Legion Post 184 (222 Main St.), 1:30 p.m. CDT.
• Aug 5 — RM2 Eugene L., RM2 Ordien F., and Lt. LeRoy M. Herr, Bristol High School Gym (500 S. Third St.), 1:30 p.m. CDT.
• Aug. 10 — Sgt. Terry G. Rada, Geddes Multi-Purpose Center (409 Michigan Ave.),  noon CDT.
• Aug. 17 — Sgt. Dennis D. Lawver, Miller American Legion Post (402 S. Broadway Ave.), 2 p.m. CDT.
• Aug. 18 — Pfc. Gunnar D. Becker, Sanborn County 4-H Building in Forestburg (23237 405th Ave.), 2 p.m. CDT.
• Aug. 21 — 1st Lt. Daniel J. Kirchgesler, St Thomas More High School in Rapid City (300 Fairmont Blvd.), 2 p.m. MDT.
• Nov. 11 — 1st Lt. Josef L. Thorne, Beresford High School Gym (301 W. Maple St.), 1:30 p.m. CST.

To learn more about South Dakota’s fallen heroes bridge dedication program, visit vetaffairs.sd.gov.