SD Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedications
Dedications 2026
CPL Lawrence Brownotter
PFC Vern Harris
SGT Richard Heimes
PFC Randolph Hutchinson
SSG Ronald McIlravy
1LT Laurence Radlinger
PFC Alvin Spider
PVT George Thares
October 14 - Time TBD, Sisseton
SD Fallen Hero Bridge Dedication: SP4 Gerald Aaland, S2c Laverne Nigg, SFC Ronald Reil, and SP4 Arden Renville
November 11 - 2:00 pm (CT) SD Military Heritage Alliance (1600 W. Russell Street) Sioux Falls
SD Fallen Hero Bridge Dedication: CPT Alton Henry, PFC Kirby Dougherty, PFC David Fjerstad, PFC Ruben Schoenwald, SGT Luverne Dixon, and PFC Jake DenOuden
In 2019, the South Dakota Departments of Veterans Affairs, Military, and Transportation, with the Governor's endorsement, launched the Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication Program. This program honors South Dakotans who were killed in action or remain missing in action by dedicating state bridges in their memory.
Naming bridges after our fallen heroes provides opportunities for remembrance, reflection, and respect. Each dedication serves as a lasting tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation and to the ideals of freedom and liberty.
The Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication Committee meets each April to select the heroes and bridges to be honored that year, with dedications held throughout the months of May through November.
To date, 72 bridges have been dedicated to honor 78 South Dakota service members.