Excerpt from
a Press Release dated Thursday, November 11, 2004.
South
Dakota Vietnam War Memorial Dedication Set
PIERRE, S.D.
- Governor Mike Rounds today announced that the State of South Dakota will dedicate a 7-foot
bronze statue of an American fighting soldier in jungle battle gear to honor South Dakotans
who fought in the Vietnam War between 1961 and 1975.
“On September 15 and 16, 2006, South Dakotans and other
Americans will come together in Pierre to pay tribute and honor the 28,000 young men and women from our state who served in
Vietnam and the 187 who gave their lives,” Rounds said.
The bronze Vietnam War Memorial statue will join bronzes
produced for the WWII Memorial, dedicated in 2001 and the Korean War Memorial dedicated in 2004. Pierre
artist, Lee Leuning and Aberdeen artist, Sherri Treeby, were
selected in 2000 to prepare the bronze figures.
“When I was in school, I remember many young men graduating
who
went
directly to basic training, advanced individual training, and then on to Vietnam,” the Governor said. “In
those days, the draft was in effect and a lot depended on your draft lottery number.” Rounds graduated from
Pierre Riggs High School in 1973.
“Immediately following the successful Korean War Memorial
Dedication this past September, we had people calling from all over South Dakota and America, asking when we will be honoring Vietnam
veterans.” Rounds said that a committee has been selected and that plans and fundraising for the event will begin in
2005. “This will be a huge event and we anticipate hosting the largest event ever held in Central
South Dakota,” said the governor.
As many as 40,000 visitors are expected to attend the Vietnam
War Memorial Dedication Ceremony. South Dakota saw 28,000
sons and daughters serve in all branches of the military during the Vietnam War (1961-1975).
