Gold Star Families, military officers, Indiana officials and other dignitaries join in tribute to fallen heroes ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service will be streamed live Friday at noon Eastern time on WISH-TV (Channel 8) and aired again on Memorial Day to honor the men and women of the armed forces who have given their lives in defense of the United States.
The annual ceremony in advance of Memorial Day and Indianapolis 500 weekend at the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis has limited capacity and is accessible by invitation only this year, due to COVID-19 precautions.
Brig. Gen. Dale R. Lyles, adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard, along with U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard officers and military leaders will join Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and Indianapolis Mayor Joseph Hogsett in the commemoration newly sponsored by The American Legion.
American Legion National Judge Advocate Kevin J. Bartlett joins WISH-TV’s Alexis Rogers as masters of ceremonies for the commemoration, supported by OneAmerica, 95.5 WFMS, WISH-TV and the Indiana War Memorials Commission.
The service includes remarks by featured guests, a wreath-laying ceremony with Gold Star Parents, recognition of all U.S. military personnel from Indiana who have died in theater since March 2019, a military funeral procession, performances by the Capital City Chorus and the 38th Division Band, as well as a fly-over of UH60 Black Hawks by the 38th Infantry Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade.
“Memorial Day is a time for all Americans to reflect on the debt we owe to the men and women who have laid down their lives to protect our freedoms,” American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford said after the organization was announced as title sponsor. “It is our privilege to sponsor the 500 Festival Memorial Service to honor their memory and provide an opportunity for others to join us in this simple, solemn tribute that shows the loved ones of these heroes that they are remembered and revered.”
Oxford added that remembering America’s fallen veterans once a year simply isn’t enough. “Long after this service has passed, we must continue the legacy for which they died: the causes of liberty, decency and patriotism. The American Legion serves as a catalyst for these principles.”
“The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service is a time to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while defending the United States,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “We are thrilled to have The American Legion as a title partner of the longstanding 500 Festival tradition of producing one of the nation’s most respected memorial services. While there is a lot to celebrate in May, we must remember and honor our military personnel around the world.”
To learn more about The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service, visit 500Festival.com/memorial.
- Memorial Day