American Legion Department of South Dakota

06/23/2026

Congratulations to Bill Peters, our new Department Commander for 2026–2027!

A special moment at Department Convention as Bill received the gavel and Sue changed his cap to begin this new year of leadership and service.

Wishing Commander Peters and Sue a great year ahead!

06/23/2026

The South Dakota American Legion is proud to partner with the South Dakota Highway Patrol as a co-sponsor of the South Dakota Youth Trooper Academy.

This outstanding program provides high school students with a unique opportunity to experience the challenges, responsibilities, and rewards of a career in law enforcement. Participants gain firsthand insight into the training, leadership, discipline, and teamwork required of South Dakota State Troopers while developing confidence and valuable life skills.

The American Legion has long been committed to supporting youth programs that build leadership, citizenship, and respect for service. The Youth Trooper Academy aligns perfectly with our mission of investing in the next generation of leaders.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the South Dakota Highway Patrol for their dedication to mentoring young people and providing this exceptional experience. Together, we are helping shape the future of South Dakota, one young leader at a time.

06/22/2026

Time for the next chapter. Our American Legion Dept of South Dakota Convention was held June 18th through the 21st. It was a great event with a chance to catch up with many Legion Family friends. Elections were held on Sunday with Bill Peters elected as our new Dept Commander. Congratulations Bill and I wish you the best for the upcoming year. It was my honor to serve as your Dept Commander for 2025-2026. I truly enjoyed traveling the state for visits and to participate in the various events. Please continue to serve our veterans, youth and communities as well as support the great American Legion programs. …..Past Dept Commander Kevin Hempel

06/20/2026

Great job, American Legion Riders!!

🎉 Ride 605 Exceeds Expectations! 🎉

The final numbers are in, and thanks to the incredible generosity of Legion Family members, local businesses, communities, and supporters across South Dakota, the 2026 Ride 605 raised an amazing $22,832 for the South Dakota American Legion Foundation!

Our goal was $10,000. Together, we more than doubled that goal and demonstrated what can be accomplished when people come together in support of a great cause.

One hundred percent of every dollar donated through Ride 605 is deposited directly into the South Dakota American Legion Foundation. These funds help support programs that serve our veterans, military families, children, and youth throughout South Dakota.

This year’s ride celebrated America’s 250th Anniversary while traveling across our state, visiting American Legion Posts, meeting community members, and honoring those who have served our nation. The generosity shown at every stop was truly inspiring.

Thank you to every Rider, donor, volunteer, American Legion Post, Auxiliary Unit, Sons Squadron, Rider’s Chapters, businesses, and community that helped make this year’s Ride 605 a tremendous success. Your support will make a lasting difference in the lives of South Dakota veterans and young people for years to come.

Together, we rode with purpose, celebrated America, and strengthened the mission of The American Legion.

06/14/2026

Happy 251st Birthday, U.S. Army! 💚

On June 14, we honor the soldiers who have stood ready to defend our nation since 1775.

To every Soldier, past and present: thank you for your service, sacrifice, and commitment to freedom.

This We’ll Defend.🇺🇸

06/14/2026

Flag Day! 🇺🇸

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the first official flag of the United States.

The resolution called for 13 stripes, alternating red and white, and 13 white stars on a blue field, representing the original states.

In 1818, Congress set the design we still recognize today: 13 stripes for the original colonies and one star for each state.

Today, we honor the Stars and Stripes as the enduring symbol of our Republic, our freedoms, and all who have served under it.

Long may she wave 🇺🇸

06/12/2026

Today, on Women Veterans Day, we salute the women veterans of South Dakota and across our nation.

To our sisters in arms — from every branch, every era, and every mission — thank you for your courage, sacrifice, leadership, and service to America.

Your legacy continues to inspire future generations. 🇺🇸

06/11/2026

250 Years Ago, Five Men Took on a King

in 1776, the Second Continental Congress appointed the Committee of Five — Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston — to draft what became the Declaration of Independence.

Their task was historic: explain why the colonies sought to become free and independent states. Congress voted for independence on July 2, and adopted the Declaration on July 4.

As America approaches its 250th birthday, we remember the courage, conviction, and sacrifice behind our founding.

06/10/2026

The 2026 Ride 605 was completed about 3:00 pm on Monday. It was a great event! As I returned to my driveway, I rode 1157 miles. This might be a longer post, but I need to recognize and say some thanks in this post. First, thanks to those Legion Posts, Auxiliary, Sons and Riders as well as businesses and individuals who made donations to the SD American Legion Foundation. Every dollar will go to supporting veterans and youth programs. Next a big thanks to those Legion Families that hosted our stops with meals and refreshments. You made our ride much more enjoyable. Additionally, a big thanks to all the Legion Riders that participated in this year’s ride. There was a core of about 10 bikes that completed the whole ride but many joined for a day or two as we went by. I believe at one point we had 18 bikes, two Camaros and a Ram pickup truck in the procession. Most folks don’t realize this, but those who did the ride donate their time, gas, and and pay hotel bills out of their own pockets. A number of the riders also made monetary donations to the Foundation. I need to give a final thanks to Fred and Micheline Nelson who spent untold time and effort planning and making the ride so successful. Many participants have posted and you can find many photos at “American Legion Riders - South Dakota”…..Dept Commander Kevin Hempel

06/09/2026