The first-ever Corn Palace Mural Dedication was greeted by sunshine and a sense of community pride by those attending Friday’s event celebrating the 2019 theme: “A Salute to Military.”
Retired Navy Captain Deb Bodenstadt of the USS South Dakota commissioning committee was impressed. “I’m humbled as a veteran to stand in front of these murals that are dedicated to the military service of South Dakotans that have served before us,” said Bodenstadt. “I’m very honored as well to have one of the panels dedicated to the USS South Dakota SSN-790.”
Corn Palace Director Scott Schmidt called the dedication awesome. “I don’t know if we could ask for a better day, a better scenario, better agenda, performance,” Schmidt said. “Everything just went perfectly, I thought.”
Following the ceremony numerous veterans and active military rode a lift up to the unfinished USS South Dakota submarine mural to nail an ear of corn in place as a thanks for their service and sacrifice.
Schmidt came up with the idea a couple of days before the dedication. “Positivity and the smiles on the veterans and active military members faces when we got to take them up and hang the corn was special in and of itself,” said Schmidt.
Army veteran Ronald Wright of Mitchell was thrilled. “I think it’s really a great way to show our patriotism as well as be a part of all this wonderful military we have in this country, defending our country from all the tyranny that’s taking place in this day and age,” said Wright. He served in the U.S. Army from 1962 through 1963. Each person who helped will receive a special postcard with a picture of the completed mural later.
Mayor Bob Everson wants to hold a mural dedication each year moving forward.