PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - People are gathering at Oahe Dam to mark the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's speech dedicating the completion of the Missouri River dam and its hydropower generators.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates the six dams on the Missouri River, and the South Dakota Great Lakes Tourism Association are hosting Friday's ceremony.
Former South Dakota U.S. Sen. George McGovern had planned to attend. But his grandson says the 90-year-old McGovern has a cold and will miss the ceremony.
Other events are being held Friday and Saturday to mark the dam's 50th birthday.
The South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center is showing photos and a film of the dam's construction. A reception is being held for people who helped build the dam.
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