Uniting Indianapolis in Reflection
The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service has united the community in downtown Indianapolis for decades. Amidst the racing festivities, it provides a moment for collective reflection.
The service includes the posting of colors by the Military Department of Indiana’s Joint Service Color Guard and performances by the Capital City Chorus and the Indiana National Guard’s 38th Infantry Division Band.
A wreath-laying ceremony, dedicated to the memory of all Hoosiers who sacrificed their lives in defense of the nation in all wars and conflicts, will take place. The names of those Indiana service members who have fallen within the past year will be read aloud, and the bell of the USS Indianapolis CA-35 will toll in their honor.
A Military Funeral Procession, also known as a Cortege, will be presented by the Indiana National Guard Headquarters Ceremonial Unit. The Cortege is comprised of service members who accompany the remains of the deceased to the gravesite. Elements of a Cortege are the Escort Commander, Honor Platoons representing all services, Drummers, an Honor Guard, the horse-drawn Caisson which transports the fallen hero’s remains, eight Casket Bearers, and the Caparisoned Horse. A riderless horse, also called a Caparisoned Horse, follows the Caisson. The horse is adorned with a saddle, a pair of Cavalry boots reversed in the stirrups, and an Army Saber attached to the right side of the saddle. This symbolizes the fact that the deceased had fallen as a warrior and will not ride again.
Honor Our Veterans on Memorial Day
Indianapolis is home to more memorials and monuments dedicated to Veterans than any other city in the United States except Washington D.C. Our capital city has 48 dedicated sites honoring Veterans and manages more acreage honoring Veterans than any other city in the nation. As the home of the American Legion National Headquarters—the world’s largest Veterans’ organization with 1.5 million members—our city stands as a tribute to those who have served.
We invite you to visit the Indiana War Memorial and Soldiers and Sailors Monument to pay your respects and explore the newly renovated lower level, which has reopened to the public. Take time to honor our heroes and experience the history that shapes our nation at 55 East Michigan St. Indianapolis, IN. Honoring Veterans who paid the ultimate price to protect our freedoms is the reason we celebrate Memorial Day.
Memorial Day Hours of Operation
Indiana War Memorial: 9 AM – 5 PM
Soldiers and Sailors Monument: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM