Hundreds today honored South Dakota's fallen heroes. A sculpture close to one family's heart is now being shared with others... to remember those who've given the ultimate sacrifice.

Family, friends, and community members paid tribute to hometown heroes who died in the line of duty.

Senator John Thune says "We've been blessed here in South Dakota, to have an incredible tradition and heritage of military service and so, we're grateful to all of those veterans for their sacrifice.”

The "Going Home" sculpture was dedicated in honor and memory of South Dakota's fallen military members. The idea for the sculpture came 2 years ago, after a Sioux Falls family lost a son and brother. Staff Sergeant Robb Rolfing died in Iraq.

"What we have is worth fighting for, and sometimes, worth dying for,” Rex Rolfing, Sioux Falls said.

The Rolfing family hopes this sculpture helps people remember and honor fallen soldiers. And their dream is taking shape.

Families from as far as Massachusetts, Nevada and Wisconsin made their way to Sioux Falls for the dedication.

“It helps not only with the healing, but the pride that we feel for our soldiers, just enhances that even more,” Susan Vrooman said.

Bruce and Susan Vrooman's son, Staff Sergeant Jeremy Vrooman was killed last year in Iraq. He was the first one into a building that exploded.

"He just didn't feel right about that mission that day, and through his actions, and leadership 35 lives were scared that day,” Bruce Vrooman said.

The Vroomans say the sculpture helps them honor their son's heroism. And the Rolfings say, that's exactly why the sculpture was crafted.

"This is a teaching moment, this is a teaching moment that we need to teach everybody about, that our freedom isn't free,” Rex Rolfing said.

At least 2 dozen military members from South Dakota have died in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.