Indiana War Memorials

01/01/2023

Happy New Year!

12/31/2022

The Indiana War Memorial and Museum and Soldiers and Sailors Monument will be closed on Sunday, January 1.

Happy New Year!

12/29/2022

Still looking for a worthy organization to satisfy your year end contribution goal? The Indiana War Memorials Foundation supports the museum, monuments and memorials that form the Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District—a National Historic Landmark District - through programs and displays that tell the story of Indiana's rich military history.

Your gift will go a long way to helping us ensure future generations know about the valor of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice that have shaped our
nation and that make Indiana so great.

Make your online gift here: https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_76772d39-93ff-11e7-afbe-024e165d44b3&WidgetId=68608.

12/28/2022

On this day in 1945 the Pledge of Allegiance was officially recognized by Congress.

Learn more about the history of the Pledge of Allegiance on the blog: https://www.indianawarmemorials.org/2021/07/06/the-pledge-of-allegiance/.

12/25/2022

Happy Holidays!

12/22/2022

The Indiana War Memorial and Museum will be closed Friday, December 23, Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve, and Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day.

Happy Holidays!

12/21/2022

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument has been a symbol of Indianapolis for over 100 years.

This image from December 1962 shows beautiful Monument Circle with a light dusting of snow as downtown commuters are greeted by the gigantic “tree” at the Circle on their way to and from work.



(Photo: Larry George/ Indy Star)

12/16/2022

On Dec 16, 1944, the Battle of the Bulge began. The Battle took place in the Ardennes region of Belgium and was Germany’s last major offensive of World War II. Winston Churchill called the battle “the greatest American battle of the war.” Lasting six brutal winter weeks, the Battle of the Bulge paved the way for an Allied victory.

Learn more about the Battle of the Bulge and the Allied victory of World War II at the Indiana War Memorials Museum open Wednesday through Sunday from 9a.m. to 5p.m. Admission is free!

12/15/2022

A World War II era poster encouraging the purchase of war bonds from 1942. Did you know the Indiana War Memorial Museum has an extensive collection of WWI and WWII Propaganda Posters on display?

The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday between 9a.m. and 5p.m. Admission is free!

12/13/2022

Happy Birthday to the United States National Guard!

Always Ready, Always There!

12/12/2022

Looking for a worthy organization to satisfy your year end contribution goal? The Indiana War Memorials Foundation supports the museum, monuments and memorials that form the Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District—a National Historic Landmark District - through programs and displays that tell the story of Indiana's rich military history.

Your gift will go a long way to helping us ensure future generations know about the valor of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice that have shaped our
nation and that make Indiana so great.

Make your online gift here: https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_76772d39-93ff-11e7-afbe-024e165d44b3&WidgetId=68608.

12/11/2022

Indiana Statehood Day!

On December 11, 1816 President Madison signed the Congressional Resolution for Indiana’s admission as the 19th state of the United States of America.

12/10/2022

Looking for the ultimate gift for your Veteran this Holiday Season? Why not order a Brick of Honor, to be placed at the foot of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument come spring 2023. Inquire about the presentation certificate to give as a gift this holiday season before the brick is placed at Monument Circle!

Bricks of Honor leave a lasting legacy for your Veteran in the heart of Indianapolis.
Learn more about the Bricks of Honor Program: https://www.indianawarmemorials.org/commemorate/.

12/08/2022

This vintage USS Indianapolis Christmas dinner menu from 1936 can be seen in person at the Indiana War Memorial Museum. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all the USS Indianapolis families!

Visit the Museum Wednesday through Sunday from 9a.m. to 5p.m. for a great activity for the entire family this holiday season!

12/07/2022

December 7, 1941, a date that will live in infamy.

Eighty one years ago today the United States was attacked on her own soil at Pearl Harbor - December 7, 1941. May we always remember and honor those who lost their lives on this tragic day.

12/06/2022

On this day in 1795 James Whitcomb was born in Vermont. Whitcomb was the eighth Governor of Indiana and served as a United States Senator in the years following his terms as Governor.

Did you know there is a statue of James Whitcomb on the south side of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument? Visit the statue and the Indiana War Memorial Museum to learn more about Indiana’s rich history!

12/05/2022

Thank you, again, to the IBEW Local 481 for making every December in Indianapolis very special with the Circle of Lights!

12/04/2022

On this day in 1921 the grounds of the American Legion Mall were officially presented to the “Indiana War Memorial Association.” The cornerstone for the headquarters of the American Legion was presented by Marshal Foch in Indianapolis. This stone was a piece of the Marne Bridge at Chateau Thierry and was never actually placed as a cornerstone for the American Legion, but can be visited at the Museum in the Indiana War Memorial, open Wednesday to Sunday from 9a.m. to 5p.m.

Visit the Mall and the Monuments that honor the many Hoosier veterans.

12/03/2022

Have you visited the Circle of Lights and the Shining a Light holiday projection this year? It is a great way to spend an evening celebrating the holidays in Downtown Indy!

Learn more https://www.indianawarmemorials.org/2022/11/18/shining-a-light-holiday-projection/

12/01/2022

to children admiring the holiday decorations on Monument Circle in December of 1957. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument has always been a center for holiday festivities in Indy!


(Photo: Robert Lavelle/ Indianapolis News)

11/28/2022

Sergeant John George was born in Raritan, New Jersey in November 1759. George enlisted in the Continental Army as a private and served as a drummer boy for the 1st New Jersey Battalion of Maxwell's Brigade, under the personal command of General George Washington. Following the War, Sergeant George moved to Kentucky and later settled in Indianapolis, where he died on this day in 1847. He is buried at Round Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis.

Learn more about Sergeant John George’s extensive career during the Revolutionary War at the Indiana War Memorials Museums and Museum. The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

11/25/2022

It's that magical time of year again! The Downtown Indy Circle of Lights® presented by IBEW Local 481 celebrates its 60th anniversary on November 25. Be part of Indy's time-honored tradition on with grand festivities starting at 6:30 p.m. From festive food and beverages to LIVE entertainment, there's lots to engage with prior to the "flip of the switch" shortly before 8 p.m.

Learn more here: https://downtownindy.org/events/circle-of-lights

11/25/2022

IWMF Commemorate – Indiana War Memorials Foundation

Looking for the ultimate gift for your Veteran this Holiday Season? Why not order a Brick of Honor, to be placed at the foot of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument come springtime of 2023! Choose where your brick is located on Monument Circle, with the option of a small intimate ceremony when the brick is placed.

Bricks of Honor leave a lasting legacy for your Veteran in the heart of Indianapolis.

Learn more about the Bricks of Honor Program: https://www.indianawarmemorials.org/commemorate/.

Honor American veterans with Bricks of Honor A personal monument of service in the heart of Indianapolis. Why do we place bricks? When men and women protect our freedom, will we stand ready to place a marker of their courage and strength? Bricks of Honor are lasting tributes that honor the memory of...

11/24/2022

Happy Thanksgiving from the Indiana War Memorials!

11/23/2022

The Indiana War Memorial and Museum will be closed Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25.

Happy Thanksgiving!

11/22/2022

It's that magical time of year again! The Downtown Indy Circle of Lights® presented by IBEW Local 481 celebrates its 60th anniversary on November 25. Be part of Indy's time-honored tradition on with grand festivities starting at 6:30 p.m. From festive food and beverages to LIVE entertainment, there's lots to engage with prior to the "flip of the switch" shortly before 8 p.m.

Learn more here: https://downtownindy.org/events/circle-of-lights

11/21/2022

On this day in 1941, the Battleship USS Indiana BB 58 was launched from Newport News, Virginia. Following the attacks on Pearl Harbor on December 7, the USS Indiana BB 58 - fully loaded with ammunition and supplies - reported for duty 1942 along the Tonga Islands.

Did you know this battleship was nicknamed the “Hoosier Houseboat” according to the Kokomo Tribune? She earned 9 battle stars for her participation in Asiatic-Pacific service engagements and operations, and was present for the Battle of Iwo Jima and Okinawa in 1945, before being decommissioned on September 11, 1947.

Learn more about this battleship, along with other Naval warships at the Indiana War Memorial and Museum. The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

11/19/2022

On this day in 1752 George Rogers Clark was born in the Colony of Virginia. Following his military career, George Rogers Clark spent much of his later life in the Indiana Territory, where he was granted territory in what is now Clark County from the state of Virginia for serving his country.

Did you know there is a statue of George Rogers Clark on the Northwest side of Monument Circle? Pay a visit to Monument Circle to check out the statue of Clark, as well as other prominent men in Indiana history.

11/17/2022

Join Downtown Indy and help kick-off the holiday season this year for the 60th Annual Downtown Indy, Inc. Circle of Lights ® presented by IBEW Local 481!

The kick-off to this year's holiday season will begin at 6:30pm on Friday November 25!

11/15/2022

On this day in 1864, the United States Union Army, led by General William T. Sherman, burned nearly the entire city of Atlanta. The aim was to cut off Atlanta’s vital supply lines that were essential to the Confederate Army’s success.

The Civil War ended nearly five months later with a Confederate surrender. Did you know the Eli Lilly Civil War Exhibition has been relocated to the Museum at the Indiana War Memorial? Visit the expanded Eli Lilly Civil War Exhibition, including 23 original Civil War artifacts that have never been on public display.

The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Admission is Free!

11/12/2022

The first string is up! Snow is falling! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

11/12/2022

Getting ready to string the lights for Circle of Lights!

11/11/2022

Today we celebrate Veterans Day. Thank you to all the U.S. military veterans who have and continue to protect this great nation, especially all of our Hoosier Veterans.

11/10/2022

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps! Thank you for protecting the Nation.

Semper Fidelis

11/09/2022

This Thursday, November 11, 2021 is Veterans Day in the United States. On Veterans Day we recognize and honor all our United States Veterans.

Learn more about the history of Veterans Day here: https://www.indianawarmemorials.org/2020/11/11/the-history-of-veterans-day/.

Thank you to all the United States Veterans for making the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedoms.

11/08/2022

IWMF Commemorate – Indiana War Memorials Foundation

Commemorate your Veteran's legacy this Veterans Day by purchasing a Brick of Honor from the Indiana War Memorials Foundation.

The Brick of Honor will be placed at the foot of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument come spring of 2023, creating a lasting tribute to your veteran's service and sacrifice in the heart of Indianapolis.

Learn more about purchasing a brick: https://www.indianawarmemorials.org/commemorate/.

Honor American veterans with Bricks of Honor A personal monument of service in the heart of Indianapolis. Why do we place bricks? When men and women protect our freedom, will we stand ready to place a marker of their courage and strength? Bricks of Honor are lasting tributes that honor the memory of...

11/08/2022

Please join the Veterans Day Council of Indianapolis in celebrating Veterans Day on Friday, November 11, 2022.

The breakfast will begin at 8:00A.M. with the service to follow at 11 A.M. at the Indiana War Memorial, located at 55 E. Michigan Street. Tickets for the breakfast can be purchased at http://www.veteransdayindy.org/ .

The Veterans Day Memorial Parade will take place at 12:00 P.M. beginning at Michigan and Pennsylvania Street.

11/06/2022

General William H. Harrison began his political career in 1798, and later became the first governor of the Indiana Territory.

Did you know William Henry Harrison has a statue at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument? Visit the Indiana War Memorial & Museum to learn more about the Indiana Territory and Governor Harrison. While you are downtown, visit William Henry Harrison’s statue at the base of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

The Indiana War Memorial and Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

11/03/2022

to Cenotaph Square on Veterans Day 1939. This image conveys Indiana Military Veterans bearing flags at the Cenotaph in American Legion Mall on Armistice Day 1939.

11/02/2022

Please join the Veterans Day Council of Indianapolis in celebrating Veterans Day on Friday, November 11, 2022.

The breakfast will begin at 8:00A.M. with the service to follow at 11 A.M. at the Indiana War Memorial, located at 55 E. Michigan Street. Tickets for the breakfast can be purchased at http://www.veteransdayindy.org/ .

The Veterans Day Memorial Parade will take place at 12:00 P.M. beginning at Michigan and Pennsylvania Street.