500 Festival Memorial Service: ‘They would want us to celebrate’

Indianapolis Mayor Joseph Hogsett won’t be easy to reach on Monday. He will be partaking in a tradition that dates back generations for his family.

“Never forget that this Sunday is race day,” he told a crowd Thursday at The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service at the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis. “Monday is Memorial Day. I am sure, like you, I will enjoy all of the activities this weekend. But on Monday, I won’t be here, because on Memorial Day, my grandparents taught me that we go to the cemeteries and celebrate and decorate the graves of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in our families, and all other veterans who have passed in our families.”

His journey, he told attendees, would begin at Concord Cemetery in rural Rush County.  “That’s where my great, great, great, great grandfather is buried. He fought in the Revolutionary War.” Three more cemeteries will lead him to the graves of his grandfather and father, who served in World War I and World War II. “So, if you need to get ahold of me Monday, don’t call me at home. I will not be there. I will be … at the gravesites of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.”

American Legion National Treasurer Shawn Long also reminded the audience about the deeper meaning of the weekend as millions of eyes will be on the city for Sunday’s 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 race.

“Freedom is not free,” he said. “No one understands that more than our Gold Star Families, some of whom are with us today. These families feel the profound pain of loss not just today or this weekend, but every day of the year.”

Long urged service attendees to join The American Legion’s effort to prevent veteran suicide. “Many of our veterans suffer with (post-traumatic stress disorder). We must find a way to remove the stigma associated with mental health. Progress has been made, but much more is needed.

“I ask that you join with The American Legion and ‘be the one.’ Be the one friend, the one family member, and quite possibly the one lifeline for a struggling veteran, far too many of whom take their own lives.”

Hogsett – mayor of a city filled with war memorials and monuments – acknowledged the importance of having The American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis. The Legion, he explained, is “responsible not only for today’s ceremony but for important initiatives that assist veterans year-round.”

He also pointed out that the Legion’s sponsorship of an Indy car in the 500 for the second straight year – to raise awareness about the need to prevent veteran suicide – “serves to remind us of two things. One is the special connection our city has to our service personnel. The other is the fact that at the heart of the last weekend of May will always be the memory of those who have given all to protect our freedom.”

Tony Kanaan, winner of the 2013 Indianapolis 500, will drive the Legion’s No. 1 “Be the One” car in Sunday’s race, delivering the organization’s message to millions of viewers around the world.

Opening the service Thursday, WISH-TV news anchor Alexis Rogers made the point that the sacrifices of military service must always be remembered as spectators fill the city for the race.  

“This is a very special weekend for us here in Indianapolis, a city that’s home to the world’s most famous auto race, but that is not why we are gathered here today,” she said. “While the race may symbolize American freedom and prosperity, we are here for a much, much higher purpose – a purpose to honor those who have given absolutely everything to make freedom, prosperity and our American way possible.”

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. (retired) John Jansen told the crowd that it’s OK to celebrate during the race and over Memorial Day weekend – as long as those who lost their lives, and their families, are likewise remembered.

“It is not only OK to celebrate, but our young men and women would want us to do so,” he said. “They would want us to celebrate the beauty of spring in its final days, the excitement of the coming of yet another summer full of adventure with family and friends, and they would want us to celebrate the joy of the greatest spectacle of racing with all of its tradition, competition and high-octane excitement. They would also ask that you remember why they served … freely chosen to provide for our security and to secure our way of life.”

“With these events – and even this entire weekend – it’s really about celebration,” said James Poore, chairman of the 500 Festival Board of Directors. “But it is only because we are a free and sovereign nation that we enjoy these freedoms. Defending the freedom comes at a cost, so it is indeed right and proper for us to take this moment to celebrate the men and women who have willingly defended this great nation, and those who have paid the ultimate price in doing so.”

Lt. Gen. Jansen made the point that Memorial Day depends on perspectives, whether it’s the survivor who comes home from war when others did not, the Blue Star parent “ever fearful of that knock on the door carrying the news that their child is not coming home alive” or the Gold Star Families who “have had to face the initial shock of loss, followed by the long, slow walk of recognition that a son, a daughter, a husband, a wife, a brother or sister did not make it home alive … As much as we recognize those who gave their lives in service to this great nation, we should remember too on this day the family members of the fallen.”

Rainy weather moved the annual service inside the Indiana War Memorial auditorium where wreaths were laid in honor of Hoosiers who have lost their lives in military service; Taps and the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” were performed by the 38th Infantry Division Band; and attendees placed carnations at the front of the auditorium in respect for all who sacrificed in uniform to make possible such occasions as the Indianapolis 500.