PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Hundreds of Korean War veterans in South Dakota have been honored for their service.

Veterans received an Ambassador of Peace medal from the Korean government at ceremonies in the Capitol Rotunda and in counties around the state on Tuesday.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard also received a medal, for his role in finding Korean War veterans throughout the state. He said the ceremony was a way to show the vets that they aren't forgotten.

State Veterans Affairs Secretary Larry Zimmerman says South Dakota is the first state to host such an event, with state officials and South Korean dignitaries gathering to pay tribute to the Americans who fought in the war.

A total of 466 South Dakota veterans were honored, 158 of them in the Pierre ceremony.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

More From KXRB