South Dakota has renamed one of its bridges after a fallen service member who died in the line of duty.
The latest honor was the renaming of the US HWY 12 bridge, west of the city of Mobridge, as the “PVT George Patrick Thares Memorial Bridge.” It’s dedicated to U.S. Army Private George P. Thares, a decorated World War II hero and posthumous Purple Heart recipient who was born in 1924 in Ipswich, S.D.
To date, 90 bridges across the state have been renamed and dedicated to fallen soldiers from South Dakota who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country.
“George, and all who sacrificed in service, deserve to be remembered,” Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Jeremiah Schneider said in remarks at the dedication ceremony.
“Even in times when our country faces division, we can unite in honoring and remembering those who gave so much,” he added.
Bridge Renaming Project Honors Fallen South Dakotans
South Dakota’s Fallen Hero Bridge Dedication program was established under former Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, and then expanded under Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden.
The project renames state bridges as enduring tributes that honor fallen South Dakota service members, and serve as a lasting reminder for future generations.
“These South Dakotans went to work, and in a short time, found their destiny in far off lands and far off battlefields,” Schneider said. “In return for their gift, there is nothing more complex or important that we can do but to ensure that their sacrifice is remembered and that their legacy lives on.”
Pvt. Thares served in the U.S. Army with honor and distinction. Drafted in 1943, he trained as an infantryman at Camp Fannin in Texas and was assigned to the 23rd Infantry Regiment, Second Infantry Division, during World War II.
On Aug. 13, 1944, during the Battle of Brest, in Brittany, France, Thares gave his life in service to this country. He was later decorated with a host of military honors awarded posthumously, including the Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the American campaign medal, the World War II victory medal, and Army presidential unit citation, among others.
“We must remember George’s legacy, and ensure that future generations remember his legacy as well,” Schneider added. “George gave his life and service to this country.
“This dedication will ensure his legacy continues to inspire all who travel this roadway.”
Governor Celebrates Bridge Renaming
The US Highway 12 bridge, now the PVT. George Patrick Thares Memorial Bridge, is located west of the City of Mobridge, and crosses the Missouri River in rural South Dakota.
The bridge renaming and dedication is just one aspect of the physical improvement in the area. Recent regional roadwork involves multi-year asphalt resurfacing and shoulder improvements along Highway 12.
Gov. Rhoden expressed his pride over so many bridge dedications for fallen South Dakotas who served our country.
“I am proud that South Dakota was home to so many courageous men and women in uniform,” the governor said in his statement. “Ronald Reagan wisely said, ‘Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.'”
He also paid tribute to Thares.
“George fought for our freedom,” Rhoden added. “He paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we are forever grateful.
“Bridges are strong. They are structures that are intended to reconcile and to hold things together. In the same way, a brave soldier is strong, and their selfless service is the battle that holds our nation together.”
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