Eternal Sentry – Sioux Falls, SD
N 43° 33.697 W 096° 44.453
14T E 682453 N 4825663
This sculpture stands proudly in the Veterans Memorial Park in Sioux Falls, a memorial to all those who have sacrificed for our country’s freedom.
Waymark Code: WMDMGB
Location: South Dakota, United States
Date Posted: 01/31/2012
Views: 11
This sculpture stands proudly in the Veterans Memorial Park in Sioux Falls, a memorial to all those who have sacrificed for our country’s freedom. The bronze work of art was cast by Dr. John Wightman in 2004 and sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans of Sioux Falls. The text of the marker reads:
“Dedicated to the honor of all who have been called to the service of our country, often at great personal sacrifice. May this sentry always remind us to honor and respect the duty and sacrifices they gave for our freedoms and security. We shall never forget.
“History of the Battlefield Cross. The Battlefield Cross as depicted in this sculpture is a symbolic replacement of a cross on a battlefield for a soldier who has been killed. Made up of the soldier’s rifle with bayonet attached stuck in the ground. Helmet on top, boots at the bottom with dog tags often hanging from the rifle. Its purpose is to show honor and respect for the fallen at the battle site. The practice became common during the American Civil War when soldiers on both sides began to implant a rifle with bayonet into the soil of battlegrounds. A forage cap placed on the top as an impromptu memorial to their comrades. This practice evolved through the Spanish-American War, World War I and II, Korea and Vietnam conflicts to our current wars. It has become a unique cultural symbol. Recognized immediately by American servicemen and women as a solemn solute to the honor of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their countrymen. The equipment may have changed, but the message is eternal.”
The sculpture was dedicated on July 19, 2008 by the Disabled American Veterans, Sioux Falls Arthur H. Muchow Chapter No. 1.
Type of Memorial: Multi-War Memorial
Wars mentioned (Multi-war only):
Spanish-American War, World War I and II, Korea and Vietnam conflicts, current wars
In Honor Of: "All who have been called to the service of our country, often at great personal sacrifice"
Marker Text:
See above
Date of dedication: 2008
Who Put it Here?: Disabled American Veterans, Sioux Falls Arthur H. Muchow Chapter No. 1
Description of Memorial:
A sculpture using a helmet, a rifle with bayonet, boots, and ammo box. A marker tells more about the sculpture.
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Visit Instructions:
Visited Logs must contain, at least, a picture of the monument and your GPSr. Preferably YOU at the monument with your GPSr, but we understand that some people are camera-shy.
It is suggested you please include something about your visit here, as well.