SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KJJQ) – Ground has been broken for the new State Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls.

The South Dakota Legislature in 2018 authorized the state to seek construction funding from the National Cemetery Administration. Funds were also raised by various groups. Of the 72,000 veterans in South Dakota, 50,000 of them live in the eastern part of the state — where the nearest national veterans cemetery is either in Sturgis or Fort Snelling, Minn.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem says the cemetery will immortalize the sacrifices that have been made for our freedoms. She spoke at yesterday’s ceremony about the funeral of a close friend who was a veteran and what the funeral can mean for the survivors.

Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden also spoke at the ceremony.

The cemetery is located on property north of the Interstate 229 and Interstate 90 Interchange.