On Monday, November 11, 2024, the Beresford School District, in conjunction with the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, the South Dakota National Guard, the South Dakota Department of Transportation, the Beresford American Legion Post 72, and the Beresford VFW Post 2975, hosted a Veterans Day program that included the South Dakota Fallen Hero Bridge Dedication for 1LT Josef L. Thorne. 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 Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Military.
If you missed the event, you can watch the program by selecting the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/kVyMN2nQqAo?si=1GtRhr3TAq-EnRS3.
The Master of Ceremonies for the event was SDDVA Secretary Greg Whitlock. The Beresford American Legion Post 72 and the Beresford VFW Post 2975 presented and retired the colors. Dr. Marilyn Carlson Aronson (2024 Watchdog Hall of Fame Inductee) provided the invocation. The Beresford High School choirs performed the National Anthem (Mrs. Kristin Schmeling directs our choirs). Our Beresford Elementary students led us through the Pledge of Allegiance. Bryon Noem provided the Governor's Message on her behalf. Our 4th and 5th-grade choirs performed the Armed Forces medley (Mr. Jake Voorhis directs our elementary choirs). The Beresford High School band performed "To Honor America" (Mr. Aaron Schmeling directs the high school band). Mr. Brian Field (2022 Watchdog Hall of Fame Inductee) delivered a message on behalf of the Thorne family. Senior Lily Seivert performed taps for the event.
SD 46 bridge over Vermillion River, about eight miles west of Beresford, is dedicated as the 1LT Josef L. Thorne Bridge.
