The 605 Way

 
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
June 5, 2026  

South Dakota’s legacy is rich. Our way of life was forged by resilient homesteaders, and we’ve become a beacon to the nation through the hard work and steadfast faith of our people. The first week of June brings “605 Day.”  South Dakotans have embraced June 5 (6/05) as a chance to celebrate our beautiful state and remind everyone that fresh air and freedom can be found in our single area code.

Last year on June 5, I wrote about the 605 as a little slice of paradise. From the Big Sioux to the Cheyenne River, from the Black Hills to the prairie lakes, we are blessed with a beautiful state united by shared values. This year I find myself thinking less about the place itself and more about the people who will inherit it.

Being Governor of South Dakota, where I was born and raised, is a true honor. After years of service to my community, state, and country, I have received much more than I’ve contributed. Each person I meet affords me a broader perspective and keener understanding of what makes our state tick.

And this week, I received another reminder of what matters most. I became a grandpa for the ninth time! If there’s anything that can provide perspective, it is holding the miracle of a new life in your hands. What a reminder of God’s blessings! And you begin thinking about the kind of world that child will grow up in and the values that will shape their life.

My faith has always helped me keep those priorities in perspective. Public service comes with challenges and responsibilities, but I have learned that the harder the challenge or the lower the moment, the closer I become to the Lord. Don’t get me wrong, I love being South Dakota’s Governor! But the weight of the responsibility is a lot for one person. My faith allows me to refocus on what’s important – and this week God blessed our family with a powerful reminder of his goodness and love.

Seeing my family grow makes me more motivated to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free. The next generation deserves the same opportunities, freedoms, and way of life that previous generations worked so hard to build.

Growing up on a ranch taught me that hard work matters. I learned to be resourceful and responsible because the only priority is getting the job done right. You can’t cut corners. You can’t make plans that aren’t practical. Growing up in South Dakota taught me that truth matters, and a strong community is what will make you rich in life. Serving my country taught me what it means to prioritize others over my own needs and to protect our freedoms.

Those lessons shaped me, and they are the same lessons I hope to pass on to my grandchildren and future generations of South Dakotans. To me, that’s what the 605 is about. It’s more than an area code – it’s a way a life.

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