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The Hoosier State has a rich legacy of military history—all movingly captured in the museum, memorials and monuments that are part of our downtown landscape.

Come explore the War Memorial Plaza National Historic District and learn the stories of ordinary Hoosiers who have done extraordinary things. Ordinary Hoosiers like Helen Purviance who was the first “doughnut girl” in WWI. And Indiana natives like General John J. Pershing, who courageously commanded the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe in WWI. Or the countless Hoosiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, from the Revolutionary War to the conflicts of today.

Visitors can enjoy the walkability of the District, which spans five blocks and includes green space areas to stop and enjoy the view. Come and learn more about the bravery and valor of Hoosier service men and women, as well as Indiana’s important role in our nation’s conflicts. Together—right here in Indianapolis, the crossroads of America—we honor and remember those who’ve worked to preserve our great nation.

Explore

With 25 acres filled with one museum, three parks and various monuments and memorials, Indianapolis ranks first in the nation in the number of acres dedicated to honoring our veterans, and second only to Washington D.C. in the number of monuments.

American Legion Mall

Cenotaph Square

Gold Star Families Memorial Monument

Indiana 9/11 Memorial

Indiana War Memorial

Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District

Korean War Memorial

Medal of Honor Memorial

Soldiers and Sailors Monument

University Park

USS Indianapolis CA 35 Memorial

Veterans Memorial Plaza

Vietnam War Memorial

World War II Memorial

MEDIA

News about Indiana War Memorials

Press Releases
May 6, 2025

Bricks of Honor

The Indiana War Memorials Foundation is proud to offer the Bricks of Honor Program. Since 2012 the Bricks of Honor program has provided a way for the Indiana community –…
Events
October 11, 2024

Veterans Day

Please join the Veterans Day Council of Indianapolis in celebrating Veterans Day Sunday, November 10, 2024 and Monday, November 11, 2024. Veterans Day Reception: The Veterans Day Reception & Awards…
Exhibit BackgrounderStories of Service
January 31, 2023

Stories of Service: Major Charity Adams

Early Life  Charity Adams was born on December 5, 1918 in Kittrell, North Carolina. She grew up in Columbia, South Carolina until moving to Ohio to continue her education at…
EVENTS

Honor Indiana Veterans With Your Presence

VIRTUAL TOUR

Take a Virtual Tour

Explore the monuments, museums and memorials of the Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District—virtually.

Launch tour
SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Download PocketSights

Download the PocketSights mobile app to take a self-guided tour of the IWMC Properties on your GPS-enabled mobile device. Learn more

Connect with us on Instagram

#IndianaWarMemorials

Please join the 500 Festival and the American Legion, honoring our fallen soldiers for the 60th Memorial Service at the Indiana War Memorial on Friday, May 23rd at 12:00pm EST

This is a weekend to remember and honor the sacrifices made by brave servicemen and women who perished while serving in the armed forces.

This event is free and open to the public. 

500Festival.com/Memorial

#500Festival  #MemorialDayService #IndianaWarMemorials
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument decorated for the 1893 for the Grand Army of the Republic 27th Encampment in Indianapolis. While the Monument is completed in the image, the statues that we are familiar with today had not yet been added to the Monument. 

#SoldiersandSailorsMonument 
(Photo: Indiana Historical Society)
Happy Armed Forces Day! Today we thank the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. The creation of the single day celebrations for all five branches of the US Military began in 1949.

Thank you to all the men and women of all the United States Armed Forces for the sacrifices they have made for our great country.
 
#IndianaWarMemorials #HappyArmedForcesDay
#Strengthandhonor
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument was dedicated on this day in 1902. 

The Monument is both a symbol of the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument stands 284 feet, 6 inches tall—only 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty. 

Today the Soldiers and Sailors Monument commemorates the valor of Indiana’s military men and women in all wars prior to World War I. 

#SoldiersandSailorsMonument #Monument Circle #IndianaWarMemorials #VisitIndy
In 1898 the Spanish American War was fought between the United States and the Spanish Empire over control of the Caribbean, most notably the island of Cuba. 

Did you know? 
The 157th Indiana Infantry was mustered into duty on this day in 1898. Learn more about the 157th Indiana Infantry and the United States’ involvement in the Spanish American War at the Indiana War Memorial Museum. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm. 

Admission is free! 

*** The Shrine Room is closed for construction and is slated to reopen mid to late-September, 2025.

#Indianahistory #indianawarmemorials
Please join the 500 Festival and the American Legion, honoring our fallen soldiers for the 60th Memorial Service at the Indiana War Memorial on Friday, May 23rd at 12:00pm EST

This is a weekend to remember and honor the sacrifices made by brave servicemen and women who perished while serving in the armed forces.

This event is free and open to the public. 

500Festival.com/Memorial

#500Festival  #MemorialDayService #IndianaWarMemorials