South Dakota to Dedicate Six Bridges to Veterans
The state will honor four deceased service members with bridge naming ceremonies on November 11, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Military
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a regional Fallen Hero Bridge Dedication ceremony on November 11, 2026, to honor four deceased military veterans. This state initiative establishes permanent tributes for those who served.
Why it matters
These bridge dedications serve as a lasting reminder to future generations of the service and sacrifice provided by the honored veterans.
The state is officially naming 6 bridges to honor 4 deceased veterans, with the main ceremony scheduled for 2 p.m. on November 11, 2026.
The players
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
This state agency is responsible for the oversight and administration of benefits and recognition programs for military veterans residing in South Dakota.
The details
The project includes naming the Highway 37 bridge over Emanuel Creek for Private First-Class Jake DenOuden, the Highway 50 bridge over Vermillion River for Sergeant Luverne F. Dixon, and the 26th Street bridge over I-29 for Private First-Class Kirby J. Dougherty. Additionally, the Highway 324 bridge over Medary Creek honors Private First-Class David O. Fjerstad, the US Highway 14B bridge over I-29 honors Captain Alton V. Henry, and the US Highway 81 bridge over the West Fork Vermillion River honors Private First-Class Ruben Schoenwald.
Timeline
The regional Fallen Hero Bridge Dedication ceremony takes place at 2 p.m. on November 11, 2026.
Political Context
The dedication program functions as a formal, bipartisan effort to create enduring tributes across the state. Critics occasionally raise concerns regarding the maintenance costs associated with maintaining signage for designated infrastructure.
The naming project provides residents with specific locations to recognize local veteran contributions while traveling throughout the state. Drivers should be aware of potential ceremony-related traffic or informational signage updates near these six bridge locations.
The takeaway
Naming infrastructure after military veterans helps integrate the history of service into the daily geography of the state. These public designations offer communities a tangible way to remember the sacrifice of local service members.
What happens next
The regional Fallen Hero Bridge Dedication ceremony will be held in Sioux Falls on November 11, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Further reading
For more information on state-led service tributes, visit South Dakota Military.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KELO-LAND TV.
