Pierre - Fighting Stallions Memorial

GEORGE S. MICKELSON
28th Governor of South Dakota

South Dakota was just a century old
when a new leader emerged.
Eyes sparkling with vision,
he embraced life.
His smile created instant friendships,
his devotion to family inspired.
With limitless energy and genuine compassion,
he challenged us to realize bigger dreams.

George Mickelson made a difference.

ANGUS ANSON
General Manager & Chief Executive
Northern States Power - South Dakota.

His values were as conservative as the South Dakota
prairies that he loved. A quiet confidence and
genuine concern for others earned him their respect.
May the faith in God and the solace of the open
prairie sustain his vision of a better South Dakota.

RON R. BECKER
Program Manager/Chief Pilot
South Dakota Aviation Services

Ron was happiest in serving, always helping
people by doing whatever needed to be done.
He was a cheerful and gentle man whose love
for his family inspired others. He was a
meticulous professional who loved flying and
making good things happen.

DAVID S. BIRKELAND
president & CEO
First Bank of South Dakota

His smile invited conversation, his manner put
strangers at ease, his style engendered trust and his
humor broke down barriers. Dave was always there
for others – his family, his church, his community, his
college, his employees, his business. He was a servant
leader whose example was an expression of his spirit.
...a man for all seasons.

ROLAND DOLLY
commissioner
governor's office of
economic development

With half his journey of life complete
His honor, duty, and sage thoughtful tongue
Neither man nor muse can scarce repeat
This glorious legacy of short life well done

– Ed I. Calhoon, M.D.

faith * character * loyalty

ROGER HAINJE
president
Sioux Falls Development Foundation

Roger's integrity and intelligence opened closed
doors. His quick sense of humor entertained and
inspired. His persevering efforts created
immeasurable prosperity for so many. His efforts
inspired the work that made Sioux Falls #1 in
America. He was as refreshing and straight-forward
as the great South Dakota outdoors he loved.

DAVID H. HANSEN
State Pilot of South Dakota

His love for God, family and country and the thrill of
flight created his quiet professionalism and inspiring
humility. All who knew Dave saw an aura of
bravery, respect, and honesty. In his eyes, there was
always a smile for everyone, and a wink for those he
loved.

"You have not lived until you've almost died. For
those who fight for it, life has a flavor the protected
will never know."

Author Unknown
Vietnam – 1969

RON R. REED
commissioner
governor's office of
energy policy.

Ron was the true character of South Dakota – loving
husband, devoted father and always the lively,
upbeat leader who was enthusiastically dedicated to
public service and ever true to his friends. A driving
force behind economic development and energy
efficiency, he gave his time, talents, and eventually
his life to improve lives of others.

Fighting Stallions Memorial
April 19, 1994

Fighting Stallions Memorial was constructed by the people of South Dakota as a lasting memorial to eight
South Dakotans who perished in an airplane crash on April 19, 1993. The state plane, N86SD, crashed due
to propeller assembly failure in poor weather on a farm near Dubuque, Iowa. Five state employees, including
the Governor, and three Sioux Falls corporate leaders were on an economic development mission to save the
largest agricultural processing employer in South Dakota.
"Fighting Stallions" is enlarged in bronze from the 1935 mahogany carving by South Dakota sculptor
Korczak Ziolkowski. The sculpture was selected because it symbolically represents South Dakota's struggle
to overcome adversity, desire for achievement and courage to believe in the future. It is a tribute to
those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"But in the passing of a century also comes the passing of friends – people who shaped the state – people who
shaped our lives. As we remember the personal pain of those losses, let each of us dedicate ourselves to replacing
that loss with a commitment to make new friends in our quest to build a better future."

Governor George S. Mickelson
1990 State of the State Address

Statues - Hither & Thither

Fighting Stallions Memorial

Description

Signature

Information Sign

Annotation

Sculptor

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Locatie (N 44°21'57" - W 100°20'41") (Satellite view: Google Maps)