500 E. Capitol Ave.

Pierre, SD 57501

(605) 773-3212

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Thursday, November 2, 2006

CONTACT:  John Moisan, 773-3688 or Mark Johnston, 773-3212

 

            Vietnam War Memorial Photographs Available

 

PIERRE, S.D. – Photographs taken at the South Dakota Vietnam War Memorial which was held on September 15 and 16 in Pierre are becoming available on the internet according to Gov. Mike Rounds.  “Literally, thousands of pictures of the dedication were taken by professional and amateur photographers alike,” Rounds said.  “Our goal all along has been to share these beautiful images with the public so that those who attended have a lasting memory of a very special event.”

 

John Moisan, Vietnam War Memorial Chairman, said that loading the photographs onto the internet will take a few weeks, but the public will be able to view and print them as they are loaded.  “Because each individual picture is loaded separately, it will take a few weeks for our staff to recreate the entire photo file.  We estimate that there will be well over 1,000 photos of this spectacular event for the public to enjoy.” Moisan said.  “At the same time, we are providing an optional window on the internet for the public to send in their own pictures if they wish.”

 

Gov. Rounds said that the State also wants to make the photos available for people who were not able to attend and so that other states may be able to use the pictures to follow South Dakota’s lead in honoring Vietnam Era veterans.

 

“The United States of America has waited far too long in honoring and paying our respects to Vietnam Era vets and we learned that what happened here in Pierre on September 15 and 16 was very, very, special.  The South Dakota Vietnam Memorial truly changed people’s lives forever,” Rounds said.  “You can tell by the pictures.”

 

To view the South Dakota Vietnam War Memorial pictures or upload your own photos, visit www.sdvietnamwarmemorial.com. Questions may be directed to the Bureau of Administration at (605) 773-3688 or by FAX at (605) 773-3887.

 

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