SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) —The USS South Dakota Day of Honor drew in a large crowd at the South Dakota Battleship Memorial Saturday morning.
The ceremony pays tribute to the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy.
“Today, we remember a pivotal moment in history: the end of a global conflict that demanded immense bravery and resilience of all Americans,” Rear Adm. Michael Wosje said during his speech.
The event included naval history displays and band performances. U.S. Senator John Thune was the keynote speaker.
“Any time I visit American troops, I consistently hear about the determination, the strength, the work ethic, the professionalism, the skill of South Dakota members of our National Guard and members of our military,” Thune said to Saturday’s ceremony crowd. “It warms my heart when I hear that.”
Thune’s appearance also drew criticism. A group of people gathered across the street to rally concerns over policies the U.S. Senator has supported.
One frustration is tied to his backing of Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, which rally goers said includes Medicaid cuts that could hurt South Dakota residents.
“That has a major impact on South Dakotans and rural South Dakota communities because Medicaid is the backbone of support for rural communities, both in terms of support for hospitals and nursing homes. And John Thune knew that, and he knew when he passed that bill that it would impact all of us,” Michael Heisler said. “But he did it anyway.”
Rally organizers said the event was a call for accountability from Senator Thune.
“In fifth grade, we all learned about checks and balances. I think he has forgotten that because he just rubber stamps everything Donald Trump wants, whether it’s cutting programs South Dakotans need or putting crazy people on the courts” rally attendee Nancy Turbak said.
Some attendees believe Thune has forgotten about South Dakota’s people since stepping into his Senate Majority Leader role.
“It’s a free country and people can have lots of different opinions, but the one thing I don’t ever forget about South Dakota,” Sen. Thune said. “I live here.”
The U.S. Senator said differing opinions is part of the political process, and state ground is what keeps him anchored.
“I’ve got to keep my head down and do the work that I think the people of South Dakota elected me to do,” Sen. Thune said.
Rally organizers said they wanted the rally to honor U.S. Military veterans, and they asked attendees to remain respectful of the USS Day of Honor.
