Department of South Dakota VFW

06/12/2026

🇺🇸 Women Veterans Day – June 12 🇺🇸

Today, the Department of South Dakota VFW proudly honors the women who have worn our nation's uniform and answered the call to serve.
Many people ask why there is a separate Women's Veterans Day when we already celebrate Veterans Day in November. The answer lies in history.

June 12 marks the anniversary of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, the law that granted women the right to serve as permanent, regular members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Before that, women served with distinction during times of war, but often without the same status, opportunities, or recognition as their male counterparts.

Veterans Day honors all veterans who have served our nation. Women's Veterans Day provides an opportunity to highlight the unique challenges, sacrifices, and achievements of the women who broke barriers, opened doors, and helped shape today's military.

From the battlefields of World War II to the deserts of the Middle East, from military hospitals to flight decks and combat zones, women veterans have served with courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication.

Today we honor their service. Today we remember their sacrifices. Today we thank the women who helped write the story of America's military.

To every woman veteran in South Dakota and across our nation: Thank you for your service. We are proud to stand beside you.

🇺🇸🇺🇸‼️💯

06/06/2026

June 6, 1944 — D-Day

Before dawn broke over the coast of Normandy, thousands of young Americans climbed into landing craft knowing many would never return home.

They faced machine gun fire, artillery, obstacles, and impossible odds. Yet they pressed forward.

Not for glory.

Not for recognition.

But because freedom demanded it.

Today, 82 years later, we pause to remember the men who stormed the beaches of Normandy and all those who supported the largest amphibious invasion in history. Their courage changed the course of World War II and helped secure the freedoms we continue to enjoy today.

For those of us in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, D-Day is more than a chapter in a history book. It is a reminder that every generation of veterans stands on the shoulders of those who came before. The path we walk was paved by young men who carried extraordinary burdens and paid an extraordinary price.

As the number of living D-Day veterans grows smaller, our responsibility grows larger.
We must tell their stories.
We must honor their sacrifice.
And we must ensure their legacy is never forgotten.

Today, the Department of South Dakota VFW remembers the heroes of June 6, 1944. May we always be worthy of the freedoms they fought and died to preserve.

"These men did not merely make history—they changed the fate of the world."

05/26/2026

Today, VFW Honor Guards from across South Dakota stood united to ensure our fallen heroes were never forgotten.

From the crack of the rifle volleys to the folding of the flags and the solemn rendering of honors at cemeteries across our state, these Veterans once again answered the call — not for themselves, but for those who never made it home.

Memorial Day is not about sales, cookouts, or a long weekend. It is about remembering the men and women who gave their lives in service to this nation and honoring the families who carry that sacrifice every single day.
No matter the weather, no matter the distance, our VFW Honor Guards continue this sacred mission because every Veteran deserves dignity, respect, and remembrance.

Today, South Dakota remembered.
Today, we honored.
Today, we stood for those who can no longer stand beside us.

🇺🇸 “All gave some. Some gave all.” 🇺🇸

05/25/2026

Today, Department Commander Dr. Martin Christensen led the Memorial Day Ceremony at Black Hills National Cemetery, honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

This cemetery holds a deeply personal meaning for Commander Christensen, with numerous family members laid to rest here. One day, he and his wife Cindy — also a Veteran — plan to be buried among their fellow heroes.

Memorial Day is far more than a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer. It is a day of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for those who gave everything so we could live free.
Please take a moment today to remember the fallen and honor their legacy. 🇺🇸

05/24/2026

Join the Department on Memorial Day at 11am at Black Hills National Cemetery for a ceremony featuring the Governor, Deputy Commander of Ellsworth Airforce Base, and a Department of South Dakota VFW National Council Member, with participation from multiple VFW Posts in District 10 making everything come together.

05/24/2026

Here is a program that VFW Post 3312 Belle Fourche, SD will be apart of.

Memorial Day, 25 May 2026
Pine Slope Cemetery
Belle Fourche, SD

6:00 am: Veterans' Memorial Avenue of Flags
* Volunteers to help raise the flags meet at the entrance of Pine Slope Cemetery before 6:00. Flags go up at 6:00. 116 donated Funeral Honors flags encircle Pine Slope Cemetery.

9:00: Memorial Day Program
* Featured Speaker: Master Chief Petty Officer Steven M. Fields, USN / USCG (Ret)
* Music provided by: Center of the Nation Brass
* Laying of Organization Memorial Wreaths
* Rifle Salute and Taps

3:00 pm: Taps Across America
* From east coast to west coast, participating communities play Taps at cemeteries at 3:00 local time. No program, just Taps.

2:45: Veterans' Memorial Avenue of Flags
* Volunteers gather prior to 3:00 for flag folding review
* Immediately after Taps Across America, recover, fold, and store flags

The weather forecast continues to suggest excellent conditions for letting these flags fly as they should.

05/24/2026

Here is yet another great Memorial Day event our posts are doing.

05/22/2026

This is important everyone please click on the link and send a message to Rep. Dusty Johnson that we want this signed into law.

‼️ Action Alert: Congress has already shown strong bipartisan support for the Major Richard Star Act.

Now support must lead to action.

If your Representative supports the bill, ask them to sign the discharge petition and help move this legislation forward.
https://votervoice.net/VFW/Campaigns/137604/Respond