PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Exactly 50 years after President John F. Kennedy gave a speech dedicating the completion of Oahe (oh-AH'-hee) Dam, several hundred people gathered at the dam to marvel at how much the dam and others like it have changed life along the Missouri River.
Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill says she cannot imagine life without the dam that has helped control flooding and provided water for fishing, irrigation and other uses.
Oahe Dam operations manager Eric Stasch says Kennedy in 1962 called the dam an engineering marvel that would help the nation's economy and generate crucial electricity.
Former South Dakota U.S. Sen. George McGovern had planned to attend, but missed Friday's ceremony because he has a cold.
Other events are being held to mark the dam's 50th birthday.
E-Mail