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The Indiana War Memorials Foundation (IWMF), in support of the Indiana War Memorials Commission, is honored to partner with Downtown Indy, Inc. (DII) on Shine a Light on Indianapolis, an innovative project to honor veterans, highlight the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and make Indianapolis a more vibrant and engaging community.

The project was awarded grants that together total nearly $8 million as a part of Lilly Endowment’s “Strengthening Indianapolis Through Arts and Cultural Innovation” initiative. Shine a Light on Indianapolis will showcase the Soldiers & Sailors Monument by installing enhanced lighting and projection capabilities, a state-of-the-art sound system and flexible staging. The updated amenities will enable a variety of interactive event experiences that will help amplify Monument Circle, our state’s most recognizable icon, as a dynamic gathering place and creative public amphitheater. Programming will include seasonally-themed experiences, daily light shows and a signature patriotic salute to honor Indiana history. 

The signature patriotic salute is expected to include recorded (or sometimes live) music from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Over the music, an Indiana veteran will be heard sharing a memory of battle or an inspiring thought. At the end of the music, a lone bugler will play “Taps,” and a patriotic video will be projected onto the monument.

Learn more about the transformative initiative here and stay tuned for updates in 2019: Downtown Indy, Inc. or Indiana War Memorials Foundation.