American Legion-sponsored ceremony pays tribute across the generations.
American Legion National Vice Commander Stephen T. Weismann of Tennessee reminded hundreds who gathered at the Indiana War Memorial in downtown Indianapolis Friday that this is not only a time to remember those who died in service to the nation from the great wars of history, but those who have fallen in 2026, as well.
“As Americans prepare to celebrate the 250th birthday of our republic, we pause to remember the profound sacrifice of more than 1.1 million brave men and women who gave their last full measure of devotion to our nation,” Weismann told the crowd at the American Legion-sponsored ceremony. “Their courage echoes through history, a constant reminder of the immeasurable price of freedom.”
He said veteran grave markers from Normandy to Arlington to Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis are constant reminders of the sacrifices of the past. By name, he equally recognized Americans who gave their last full measure of duty in more recent months.
“Air Force Capt. and Mooresville (Ind.) native, Seth Koval was a natural father, according to his recent obituary,” Weismann said. “His greatest joy was raising his son alongside his loving wife Heather. Capt. Koval and five other American heroes lost their lives when their KC-135 crashed while supporting Operation Epic Fury on March 12, 2026. Capt. Koval was 38.”
The crash also claimed the lives of Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Ala.; Capt. Ariana Savino, 31, of Covington, Wash.; Tech Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Ky.; Capt. Curtis Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; and Tech Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio.
“These heroes whose extraordinary act of valor in the face of extreme peril serve as beacons of selfless service,” Weismann said. “Their names are etched into the annals of our nation. Let’s not only remember their service but also strive to uphold the principles they defended … They represent the best of us, and freedom is their legacy.”
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Image 1: Lt. Gen. Johnathan Stubbs, Director of the Army National Guard delivers a keynote address. Image 2: Indiana Gov. Mike Braun lays a wreath during the ceremony. Image 3: The ceremony ended with a flyover by the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade. Photos by Jennifer Blohm
Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, director the Army National Guard, served as keynote speaker for the annual ceremony in advance of Sunday’s Indianapolis 500 and the nation’s largest Memorial Day parade, set for Saturday.
“We come together today to reflect on the true weight of Memorial Day,” Lt. Gen. Stubbs said as U.S. families across the map plan barbecues, picnics, time with family and watching Sunday’s 500-mile race. “There are many holidays on the American calendar. We have days to give thanks. Days to celebrate our independence. And days to honor all who have worn the uniform. But today is different. This weekend is different. Today is not a celebration. It’s a day of solemn reflection and dedication … a sacred pause to honor the service of members who laid down their lives in defense of our nation – citizens, fellow citizens – for our liberties and our American way of life. Today belongs to the fallen.”
Dignitaries that included Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and Indianapolis Mayor Joseph Hogsett joined Indiana Gold Star Families – those who have lost loved ones in military service – in the placement of floral wreaths on the steps of the Indiana War Memorial. They represent the families of some 48,000 Indiana men and women who laid down their lives in defense of the nation.
“Think about what that means,” Lt. Gen. Stubbs said. “These were citizen soldiers, servicemembers, farmers who left their plows … teachers who left their classrooms, mechanics who left their garages, business owners who left their desks. They did not seek war, but when tyranny threatened, they did not hide. They stepped up. They said, ‘Here am I. Send me.’ And they traded the comforts of home for the harsh realities of the battlefield.
“So, as we prepare to spend time with friends and family this weekend, enjoying the cookouts and the race and the start of summer, let us ensure it is also a time for deep and quiet reflection. Memorial Day provides a necessary pause to measure the true cost of peace we enjoy – the freedom to gather, the freedom to speak our minds, the freedom to vote, the freedom to pursue our dreams, to worship … These are not natural rights freely given by the world. They were purchased. They were bought and paid for with courage and the blood of American servicemembers.
“The fallen ask for no tribute in return. They do not ask for our tears, though we shed them. They do not ask for monuments, though we build them. They ask only one thing, that we live lives worthy of the freedom they left behind.”
The 38th Infantry Division Band provided music for the ceremony, as did the Capital City Chorus. The ceremony closed with a flyover by the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade.
- Memorial Day