South Dakota honors Vietnam veterans

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Carrie L. Kessler and
    Staff Sgt. Shanda L. De Anda
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D. --  Sept. 16 marked the third war memorial dedication ceremony in Pierre, S.D., with numerous flybys to include a B-1, three F-16s and three Vietnam-era Huey helicopters, a performance by country music duo Big and Rich, and the unveiling of the South Dakota Vietnam War Memorial. 

"I thought (the ceremony) was fantastic," said Ray Ollila, Vietnam veteran and Sturgis, S.D., resident. "It was 40 years of waiting for this day to recognize the Vietnam Vets." 

Mr. Ollila who served in the Army during the late sixties as a tank operator, ended his tour as a personnel sergeant writing "death letters" home to the families of those Vietnam soldiers who died. 

Since I came back whole, I make a conscientious choice to keep a good perspective, he said. 

"At least I made it," he added. "I felt very fortunate to make it back alive." 

For some the day was emotional. 

"There are things that you just don't want to talk about, but I am glad I served my country and that it's over," said Thurman Blackbird, Vietnam veteran and Rapid City Resident. 

The ceremony wasn't just designed to honor those 28,000 South Dakotans who served in theater. It was for all veterans and their families. 

"You could just see how this affected the veterans ... and it was for the spouses too," said Peggy Nielson, Rapid City resident. "A lot of things needed to be said; a lot of thanks needed to be expressed and that happened. It was time." 

The first two dedication ceremonies in 2001 and 2004 honored those who served during World War II and the Korean War. During Saturday's ceremony, the third bronze statue on capitol grounds was unveiled. 

"It is not about the history of the war. The statue is about you - our veterans of the Vietnam era, your honor, your service and your sacrifices," said South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds. 

"To all of our Vietnam-era veterans and those who waited, this is your day." 

Many in attendance expressed their gratitude toward the town and organizers of the event. 

The community of Pierre has done this three times and their work is beyond words, said Ms. Nielson. "The community of Pierre has to be thanked." 

For more information about the memorials, go to http://www.sdvietnamwarmemorial.com.