A bridge in South Dakota will be dedicated to a World War I soldier who gave his life serving his country.
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony on Sept. 17 at 2:30 p.m. to honor U.S. Army Private Elmer A. Albertson.
The ceremony will take place at the Harding County School Gymnasium, located at 12474 E Tipperary St., Buffalo, to dedicate the U.S. Highway 85 bridge over Bull Creek, north of Buffalo.
This dedication is part of the Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication Program, which was launched during the Noem-Rhoden Administration and expanded under Gov. Larry Rhoden.
The Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication Program was designed to pay tribute to South Dakotans who were killed in action while serving their country or classified as missing in action.
“Naming South Dakota bridges in honor of our fallen gives us the opportunity of remembrance, reflection, and respect — to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to this nation,” according to the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs website.
South Dakota has more than 3,000 veterans that made the ultimate sacrifice and, as of 2025, there are 349 South Dakotans listed as missing in action from conflicts, including six from the Vietnam War, 33 from the Korean War and 310 from World War II, according the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.
In partnership with the South Dakota Departments of Military, Transportation and Veterans Affairs, this program creates visible and enduring tributes that connect communities to their history and remind future generations of the cost of freedom.
“It is an honor to recognize the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jeremiah Schneider said. “The Fallen Hero Bridge Dedication program ensures their sacrifice is remembered every day. These dedications serve as lasting symbols of gratitude and respect, connecting our communities to the legacy of those who served.“
Albertson, who lived in northwest South Dakota, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1917 and served with the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Division. He fought in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which was the largest American-led offensive of World War I lasting from Sept. 26 to Nov. 11, 1918.
He encountered 45 days of combat before being wounded in November 1918 and died of his injuries on November 15, 1918, days after the armistice was signed ending the war.
He was buried in the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery in France.
“As we honor their memory, we also reaffirm our commitment to support veterans and their families in every way possible,” said Schneider. “Through these bridges, their stories remain a vital part of South Dakota’s heritage and a constant reminder of the freedoms we cherish.”
To view a list of all the bridges in South Dakota that have been dedicated on behalf of the Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication Program, click here.