RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Governor Larry Rhoden sent a letter to President Donald Trump on Tuesday offering the Black Hills as the location of the “National Garden of American Heroes.”
During President Trump’s speech at the Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration in July 2020, he announced the Garden of American Heroes.
“Five years ago, in an Independence Day speech at Mount Rushmore in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, you announced a ‘National Garden of American Heroes’ to honor the greatest men and women who helped make America exceptional,” Governor Larry Rhoden wrote in his letter. “I would like to offer those same Black Hills as the perfect location for this garden. In fact, we have a plot of land available in sight of Mount Rushmore that would be ideal for this fantastic effort.”
After signing an executive order establishing the garden in January 2021, President Trump signed an executive order this January, “Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday,” which included the revival of the garden.
The area of land that would be designated to the garden would be donated by Chuck Lien’s family and is in sight of Mount Rushmore.
“The Black Hills mark the perfect location to achieve your vision for the National Garden of American Heroes,” Governor Larry Rhoden continued. “Together, we will make this project happen in a way that honors America’s heroes, takes advantage of South Dakota’s natural beauty, and incorporates the most iconic monument to our greatest leaders: Mount Rushmore National Memorial.”
Former Governor Kristi Noem offered the Black Hills for this project back in 2020, but was unable to get the project completed during President Trump’s previous term.
Notable Americans that would be honored at the National Garden of American Heroes include George Washington, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Harriet Tubman and Babe Ruth.
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