PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony later this month to honor U.S. Army Private First Class Cy Kaiser.

The ceremony will be Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. (CT) at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Aberdeen (115 S. Roosevelt Street).

The US HWY 12 Bridge south of Lake Mina will be dedicated to PFC Kaiser.

While serving with the 104^th Infantry Division, Kaiser died a hero’s death November 21, 1944, when he was killed in action in Germany.

Naming bridges in honor of our combat veterans who died while serving their country is an initiative of Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Departments of Military, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs.

“Whenever and wherever this nation has called, in times of darkness and danger, as well as in times of peace and prosperity, veterans have been there and have proudly carried the torch of liberty for all to see,” said Greg Whitlock, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Our fallen heroes are no longer with us, but their memories live on in the hearts of their loved ones and our state,” said Whitlock. “Naming our South Dakota bridges in honor of our fallen gives us the opportunity for remembrance, reflection, and respect—for honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to this nation. They cherished liberty and loved freedom enough to lay down their lives to preserve our way of life.”

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