Classic American Celebration in South Dakota

I think July 4, 2025 will be etched in the minds of many, many Texans as one of the worst days of their lives. Early that morning flash flooding hit the Hill Country causing catastrophic damage and loss of life. They are still looking for the missing. We have followed it closely from South Dakota. It’s so hard. Anyone we meet here who find out we are from Texas asks us about it and is so sorry. I have been so encouraged by the outpouring of help from so many places, in so many ways. I read there is even a group in North Carolina who brought mules to carry heavy equipment needed during the search. Coast guard rescued hundreds. So many stories. I have seen God glorified through it all. I think this man summed it up well.

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Several times this past week, as we explored the area, I was struck by the uniqueness of our Independence Day celebrations. In general, my perception of Rapid City and the other towns we’ve visited, is one of patriotism and conservative values. This underlying current added to our experience.

Mount Rushmore

First, we spent the evening of July 3 at Mount Rushmore. Is there a more iconic location that is better than this for reflecting and celebrating our rebellion against the British? We watched a short series about George Washington this past week which added much more depth to my experience at Rushmore.

We actually had no idea there was a special event that night. We are so close to the memorial that we decided to go get some ice cream and enjoy the monument once again. However it was apparent that something was going on … there was heightened security in place and secret service agents roaming around. We soon found out why. We saw Vice President Vance and his family. They were there trying to enjoy the monument just like everyone else.

The Air Force Academy Band provided really great entertainment and near the end of the celebration they called all the veterans down to the stage. The audience clapped and clapped for us. It was exhilarating. Everywhere we looked were people wearing patriotic attire and cheering for our country. I marveled at this unique experience and thanked the Lord for it.

Deadwood and Belle Fourche

Since Dale had Friday, July 4 off we planned a full day in the area northwest of Rapid City starting with breakfast at the Colonial House Diner, which is very appropriate for Independence Day! Our main event for the day was the Black Hills Rodeo in Belle Fourche which started at 3pm, so we knew we would have minimal time to spend in Deadwood.

The wild west vibe is definitely strong in Deadwood, but so are the gambling establishments. We walked around the most historic part of town, looking at some of the old buildings and avoiding all the mini casinos. It’s unfortunate that gambling remains deeply woven in the fabric of this town. I think I would have liked to tour some of the historic buildings and ride the stage coach, but time did not permit. There was a live shootout that really consisted of one shot being fired. Very disappointing. Ha!

We arrived at the Black Hills Rodeo in Belle Fourche just in time for the first event. Once again, we enjoyed a very patriotic slice of Americana. All the towns we have visited feel very down home and Texas like. People are nice and unpretentious.

After enjoying some exciting roping, bull riding, barrel racing and more we headed back to Rapid City. On the way home we pulled off to look at a Veteran’s Cemetery. It was a fitting way to end our Independence Day.