BROOKINGS – Wednesday afternoon in Frost Arena on the campus of South Dakota State University held a touch of “last hurrah” for Gov. Dennis Daugaard.
He celebrated his final “Governor’s Day,” an annual spring event honoring all veterans and recognizing the achievements of the university’s Army and Air Force ROTC cadets.
Welcoming dignitaries and attendees to Governor’s Day in Frost Arena on Wednesday afternoon, SDSU President Barry Dunn noted that when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act in 1862 that brought land grant universities into being, “the three areas of focus called out in that act were: agriculture, engineering and military science. SDSU has kept that tradition for 130 years.”
He expressed his pride in and appreciation to the Army and Air Force cadets being honored for their “commitment to serve our nation. Your willingness to protect freedom and democracy is to be commended.”
Introducing Daugaard, the president praised him for “job creation, sound fiscal management and efficient government operations.”
He concluded, noting that under the governor’s leadership “the state of South Dakota was ‘a best run state in America.’”
In his remarks, Daugaard told the ROTC cadets, 50 Army and 52 Air Force, “You strive to make something more of your college experience. In the classroom and in the field, you are leaders, athletes and scholars. You understand responsibilities and the need to balance your priorities. I applaud you for dedicating your time to this program and to serving others.”
The governor also applauded “the staff and faculty involved in ROTC. You’re truly making a difference in the lives of the young people who participate in this program. Thank you for your tireless efforts in preparing the next generation of leaders.”
“We still live in a world where people are deprived of their basic human rights: freedom of speech, assembly and worship in the religion of our choice,” Daugaard reminded his audience. “For your part in preserving America, I thank you. God bless you.” More than 20 cadets received individual awards from service organizations that included: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Daughters of the American Revolution, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers Association of America, and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Contact John Kubal at jkubal@brookingsregister.com.
Register photo: Above, Gov. Dennis Daugaard speaks to the crowd at the Governor’s Day event, surrounded by local veterans and ROTC cadets.
SDSU photos: Below, South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard hands the Governor’s Cup to U.S. Air Force ROTC cadet Emily Johnson of Canton. Governor’s Day dates at State to 1918, when Peter Norbeck was governor and Gen. Omar Bradley was professor of military science.
Below, South Dakota State University’s Bonnie Luecke was honored during Wednesday’s Governor’s Day event at Frost Arena. Luecke, who will be retiring after working 31 years at the university with the U.S. Air Force Detatchment 780, received a house commemoration from Gov. Dennis Daugaard, left. She is also congratulated by SDSU President Barry Dunn.
