Black Hills National Cemetery, Military cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota, United States.
Black Hills National Cemetery is a military burial ground in Meade County that serves as the resting place for military veterans and their families. The grounds extend across a large area with uniform white headstones arranged in rows and several monuments honoring different military conflicts.
The cemetery was established in 1948 on the grounds of former Fort Meade, beginning with seven burials of World War II service members that September. Over the following decades, the grounds expanded and memorials were added to commemorate various military conflicts in the nation's history.
The cemetery is often called the "Arlington of the West." Its Avenue of Flags leads to a committal shelter where memorial services are held, and separate memorials honor Korean War and Vietnam War veterans. The first Memorial Day observance took place on May 30, 1949.
The cemetery lies at exit 34 of Interstate 90, about 5 km southeast of Sturgis in Meade County. Its sections are separated by paved roads that wind between the lawns, so the grounds can be toured by car. The Avenue of Flags leads to the committal shelter, where memorial services are held.
The cemetery holds the remains of Sergeant Charles Windolph, a Medal of Honor recipient recognized for his actions at Little Big Horn River, among thousands of other burials. This connection to one of America's most honored soldiers adds historical weight to the grounds.
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