Korean War Memorial Dedication to Feature Statewide Talent

PIERRE, S.D. - Performers from across South Dakota will take to the stage to honor the state’s veterans and their families at the Korean War Memorial Dedication Ceremony Saturday, Sept. 18, in Pierre.

The Dedication Ceremony, which begins at 2:00pm, features a variety of diverse musical talent from marching bands to Native American singers and drummers.  The ceremony begins with musical selections from the South Dakota 147^th National Guard Band and a special rendition of “Stars and Stripes Forever” performed by a mass band of musicians from South Dakota high schools, Northern State University, South Dakota State University, and the University of South Dakota.

Mitchell, S.D. native Master Sgt. Joan Mercer is slated to perform the National Anthem.  The performance marks a personal tribute for Mercer, whose father, Cliff Konrad, served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, stationed in Kentucky, Texas and Germany.  Mercer is the alto section leader for the Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band.

South Dakota songwriter Layne Larson of Pukwana will honor “the families left behind” when she performs her song “Wait for Me” during the Dedication.  Larson penned the song on the eve of the U.S. war in Iraq; the tune appears on her debut CD “The Great Pretender.”

The ceremony showcases two performances by a group of Native American singers from Two Strike on the Rosebud Reservation.  The Red Leaf Singers will perform both the Sioux National Anthem and the Lakota Korean Honor Song.  The group is comprised of family members dating back three generations who share their traditional music in schools, community gatherings, memorials and other special events.

The award-winning El Riad Chanters of Sioux Falls provide the final musical performance of the Dedication Ceremony.  The group was the recent first place Gold Medal Winners at the 2004 Chorus Competition in Denver, Colo., the third consecutive year the group has won the top International Award.  The El Riad Chanters have been an active El Riad Shrine singing group for nearly 80 years.

The Korean War Memorial Dedication Ceremony is being held by Capitol Lake, east of the State Capitol Building.  General block seating is reserved for Korean War veterans and one guest, and spouses of deceased Korean War veterans and one additional guest.  Other lakeshore grassy areas are open for lawn chair and picnic seating.