South Dakota was among the top states in sending its citizens to World War II service. Some accepted special assignments that became truly legendary, including Don Smith of Belle Fourche. He was one of 16 B-25 pilots who flew the daring Doolittle Raid.

Smith’s biographer, Paul Higbee, will speak at High Plains Western Heritage Center Veterans Day weekend to discuss Smith’s South Dakota youth and his wartime service. Sadly, Smith survived the Raid but not the war. “When I wrote about him I used his letters home, and I was fortunate to be able to talk to some of his fellow Raiders,” Higbee said. “All of those men are deceased now and they were immensely pleased to be able to help keep his memory alive.”

The High Plains Western Heritage Center has welcomed a remarkable and symbolic addition to its U.S. Military Uniforms display: a full United States Marine Corps Dress Blue Uniform, generously donated by local resident and Vietnam veteran Joe Reed. This new display made its debut on Flag Day, June 14, 2025.

Storytelling is defined as the social and cultural activity of sharing stories. Joyce Jefferson, a regular performer at the High Plains Western Heritage Center, moves storytelling to a new dimension as she shares the stories of several black women and their journeys into Dakota Territory.

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