Name: The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service
Start: 2025-05-23T12:00:00-04:00
Location: Indiana War Memorial

Join us on Friday, May 23, at 12:00 PM in downtown Indianapolis for the American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service, a tradition that has united the community in reflection for more than 60 years. Amidst the excitement of May, this solemn event offers a moment to pause and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The service will feature a wreath-laying ceremony honoring all Hoosiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. The names of Indiana service members lost in the past year will be read aloud as the USS Indianapolis CA-35 bell tolls in their memory. A Military Funeral Procession, or Cortege, presented by the Indiana National Guard Headquarters Ceremonial Unit, will follow. This powerful tribute includes an Honor Guard, drummers, a horse-drawn Caisson carrying the fallen hero’s remains, and a Caparisoned Horse, symbolizing a warrior who will never ride again.
This meaningful event is free and open to the public. Join us as we come together to reflect, remember, and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. For more information, go to 500Festival.com/Memorial