Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

"Eternal Sentry"

By Dr. John Wightman

— Cast Bronze. 2004 —

"Eternal Sentry" Marker image. Click for full size.

October 7, 2022

1. "Eternal Sentry" Marker

Inscription. Sponsors:
Disabled American Veterans,
Sioux Falls
Patron: DAV Member Dale Weir
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 the 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 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,

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recognized immediately by American servicemen and women as a solemn salute to the honor of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their countrymen. The equipment may have changed, but the message is eternal.

Dedicated July 19th, 2008

Erected 2008 by Disabled American Veterans, Sioux Falls Arthur H. Muchow Chapter No. 1.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 2004.

Location. 43° 33.698′ N, 96° 44.454′ W. Memorial is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. It can be reached from North Walts Avenue south of West Bailey Street, on the right when traveling south. Located in Veterans' Memorial Park in Sioux Falls. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 1021 W Bailey St, Sioux Falls SD 57104, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is in East River.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western

October 7, 2022

2. "Eternal Sentry" & Marker

World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Daughters of the American Revolution (a few steps from this marker); Going Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Never Came Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Medal of Honor Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Michael John Fitzmaurice (within shouting distance of this marker); Liberty Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Gold Star Families Memorial Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Never Forget Garden (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sioux Falls.

"Eternal Sentry" image. Click for full size.

October 7, 2022

3. "Eternal Sentry"

Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2022. This page has been viewed 385 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 15, 2022.