MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (SDDVA) will host a regional Fallen Hero Bridge Dedication to honor six veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their nation.
The ceremony will be on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (CT) at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance (1600 W. Russell Street) in Sioux Falls.
This dedication is part of a statewide Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication initiative. In partnership with the South Dakota Departments of Veterans Affairs, Military, and Transportation, the program establishes enduring tributes that honor service and remind future generations.
The SD HWY 37 bridge over the Emanuel Creek, west of Springfield, will be dedicated as the Private First-Class (PFC) Jake DenOuden Bridge.
The SD HWY 50 bridge over the Vermillion River, west of Vermillion, will be dedicated as the Sergeant (SGT) Luverne F. Dixon Bridge.
The 26th Street bridge over I-29 at exit 78 in Sioux Falls will be dedicated as the Private First-Class (PFC) Kirby J. Dougherty Bridge.
The SD HWY 324 bridge over the Medary Creek, west of Elkton, will be dedicated as the Private First-Class (PFC) David O. Fjerstad Bridge.
The US HWY 14B bridge over I-29 at exit 133 in Brookings will be dedicated as the Captain (CPT) Alton V. Henry Bridge.
The US HWY 81 bridge over the West Fork Vermillion River, south of Salem, will be dedicated as the Private First-Class (PFC) Ruben Schoenwald Bridge