The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs is set to host a special Veterans Day ceremony to unveil a pair of "guardian" sculptures at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls.
Officials said the state will place two eagle sculptures on the gates of the main entrance of the cemetery.
The unveiling ceremony will take place on Friday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. CT.
“The eagles will serve as the guardians of the Cemetery, watching over the veterans and their loved ones who chose to make the Cemetery their forever home,” said Cemetery Director Erin Brown.
The sculptures were funded by private donations and by Sculptor Jurek Jakowicz. Paul Weckman of Sanford Health spearheaded this project and secured all of the donated funds.
“We are excited and honored to share this day with our partners,” said Brown. “We truly appreciate all that contributed their talents and funds to this endeavor.