Fallen Heroes Bridge dedicated in memory of PFC Vern Harris

  • The Fallen Heroes Memorial Bridge sign is unveiled by Mary Harris and Jim Harris at Isabel on Sunday.
    The Fallen Heroes Memorial Bridge sign is unveiled by Mary Harris and Jim Harris at Isabel on Sunday.
  • Jim Harris, younger brother of PFC Vern Harris, shared some memories of his brother at the memorial gathering and bridge sign dedication on August 17 at Isabel.
    Jim Harris, younger brother of PFC Vern Harris, shared some memories of his brother at the memorial gathering and bridge sign dedication on August 17 at Isabel.
  • Mary Harris of Glad Valley, Vern’s sister-in-law, wrote the nomination for the Fallen Heroes bridge sign which now bears his name.
    Mary Harris of Glad Valley, Vern’s sister-in-law, wrote the nomination for the Fallen Heroes bridge sign which now bears his name.
  • Betty Bachman Olson (left) and her husband Mike of Martin attended the dedication ceremony. Betty was engaged to Vern when he was sent to Vietnam. He sent money to his mother with instructions to buy a bouquet of roses for Betty on her birthday. Vern left for Vietnam in June, 1968 and died there in September that year.
    Betty Bachman Olson (left) and her husband Mike of Martin attended the dedication ceremony. Betty was engaged to Vern when he was sent to Vietnam. He sent money to his mother with instructions to buy a bouquet of roses for Betty on her birthday. Vern left for Vietnam in June, 1968 and died there in September that year.
  • Jeremiah Schneider (right), Secretary of the S.D. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, acknowledged the courage and sacrifice of PFC Harris and said that the bridge sign over Irish Creek near Glad Valley will be a lasting tribute to his heroism. Also pictured are (l-r) Kevin Swanson of the SDDVA, and the Harris sisters who sang the national anthem: Jana Harris, Margo Wishard, Bridget Russell and Phoebe Lemke.
    Jeremiah Schneider (right), Secretary of the S.D. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, acknowledged the courage and sacrifice of PFC Harris and said that the bridge sign over Irish Creek near Glad Valley will be a lasting tribute to his heroism. Also pictured are (l-r) Kevin Swanson of the SDDVA, and the Harris sisters who sang the national anthem: Jana Harris, Margo Wishard, Bridget Russell and Phoebe Lemke.
  • Members of the Harris family gathered for the dedication ceremony.
    Members of the Harris family gathered for the dedication ceremony.

    In the past seven years, 90 bridges on South Dakota state highways have been dedicated to South Dakotans who were killed in action or remain missing in action.

    On Saturday, August 15, the Highway 20 bridge over Irish Creek west of Isabel was dedicated to PFC Vern Harris of Glad Valley, who died in Vietnam. A crowd gathered at Red Earth Table for a Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication ceremony presented …