A memorial bench and tree dedication took place on the campus of Notre Dame for former South Bend Mayor and Indiana Governor Joseph Kernan.

Kernan died last year at the age of 74.

He was a graduate of Notre Dame and served as a naval pilot during the Vietnam War. During which he was captured as a POW for almost a year.

After his release, Kernan decided he’d venture into politics where he’d serve three terms as South Bend’s Mayor. He was then elected as Lieutenant Governor of Indiana.

When Frank O’Bannon passed away, Kernan assumed the role of Governor.