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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 –…
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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…
Hallie Frenzel
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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…
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EVENTS

Honor Indiana Veterans With Your Presence

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VIRTUAL TOUR

Take a Virtual Tour

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

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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

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#IndianaWarMemorials

Looking for a fun activity this summer for the whole family to enjoy?

Why not check out the PocketSights App! Download PocketSights - found in the app store - and enjoy a personal tour of the Indiana War Memorials properties from your phone!
#VisitIndy #DowntownIndy #IndianaWarMemorials

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Looking for a fun activity this summer for the whole family to enjoy? Why not check out the PocketSights App! Download PocketSights - found in the app store - and enjoy a personal tour of the Indiana War Memorials properties from your phone! #VisitIndy #DowntownIndy #IndianaWarMemorials

Today is the anniversary of D-Day. On this day - in 1944 - more than 160,000 Allied troops landed along a stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline on the beaches of Normandy.

The sacrifices made by the Allied troops that day allowed for more than 100,000 service members to join the difficult struggle across Europe, eventually leading to an Allied victory.

Learn more about D-Day and the many Hoosiers who made the ultimate sacrifice at the Indiana War Memorials 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.

#DDay #WWIIHistory #IndianaWarMemorials

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Today is the anniversary of D-Day. On this day - in 1944 - more than 160,000 Allied troops landed along a stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline on the beaches of Normandy. The sacrifices made by the Allied troops that day allowed for more than 100,000 service members to join the difficult struggle across Europe, eventually leading to an Allied victory. Learn more about D-Day and the many Hoosiers who made the ultimate sacrifice at the Indiana War Memorials 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. #DDay #WWIIHistory #IndianaWarMemorials

Today the Battle of Midway began in 1942. The Battle was a turning point in the Pacific during WWII.

Did you know Raymond A Spruance, the commander of the U.S. naval forces, was raised in Indianapolis and graduated from Shortridge High School? Learn more about Admiral Spruance and other Hoosiers who served in World War II at the Indiana War Memorial Museum open Wednesday through Sunday between 9am and 5pm. Admission is free!

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

#BattleofMidway #IndianaWarMemorials #WWII

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Today the Battle of Midway began in 1942. The Battle was a turning point in the Pacific during WWII. Did you know Raymond A Spruance, the commander of the U.S. naval forces, was raised in Indianapolis and graduated from Shortridge High School? Learn more about Admiral Spruance and other Hoosiers who served in World War II at the Indiana War Memorial Museum open Wednesday through Sunday between 9am and 5pm. Admission is free! *** The Shrine Room is closed for construction and is slated to reopen mid to late-September, 2025. #BattleofMidway #IndianaWarMemorials #WWII

On this day in 1999 the Medal of Honor Memorial was unveiled. This Memorial pays tribute to over 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients from 15 different conflicts. Located on the canal just off Military Park, the Memorial is ever-changing as names are added on a yearly basis.

Next time you`re out enjoying the canal downtown, stop by and pay tribute to all the Medal of Honor Recipients listed on the Memorial.

#IndianaWarMemorials #MedalofHonorMemorial #MedalofHonorRecipients #DowntownIndy #VisitIndy

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On this day in 1999 the Medal of Honor Memorial was unveiled. This Memorial pays tribute to over 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients from 15 different conflicts. Located on the canal just off Military Park, the Memorial is ever-changing as names are added on a yearly basis. Next time you're out enjoying the canal downtown, stop by and pay tribute to all the Medal of Honor Recipients listed on the Memorial. #IndianaWarMemorials #MedalofHonorMemorial #MedalofHonorRecipients #DowntownIndy #VisitIndy

Today we pause to remember, honor and mourn the military personnel from all the armed forces who have died valiantly defending our freedom. As you enjoy the long weekend with beloved family and friends, remember to take a moment to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives while protecting our freedoms!

#IndianaWarMemorials #MemorialDay

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Today we pause to remember, honor and mourn the military personnel from all the armed forces who have died valiantly defending our freedom. As you enjoy the long weekend with beloved family and friends, remember to take a moment to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives while protecting our freedoms! #IndianaWarMemorials #MemorialDay

On this day in 1996 Indianapolis` very own Vietnam War and Korean War Memorials were dedicated by Governor Evan Bayh!

Designed by Patrick Bruner, the two Memorials stand at 12 feet in diameter and 25 feet tall on opposite sides of the American Legion Mall.

The Memorials commemorate, honor and remember those who were lost during the Vietnam and the Korean War.

#IndianaWarMemorials #KoreanWarMemoral #VietnamWarMemorial #DowntownIndy #VisitIndy

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On this day in 1996 Indianapolis' very own Vietnam War and Korean War Memorials were dedicated by Governor Evan Bayh! Designed by Patrick Bruner, the two Memorials stand at 12 feet in diameter and 25 feet tall on opposite sides of the American Legion Mall. The Memorials commemorate, honor and remember those who were lost during the Vietnam and the Korean War. #IndianaWarMemorials #KoreanWarMemoral #VietnamWarMemorial #DowntownIndy #VisitIndy

On this day, in 1998, the World War II Memorial, located in the American Legion Mall, was dedicated by Governor Evan Bayh.

The World War II Memorial consists of a half-circle of granite and limestone, in addition to a freestanding column. The half-circle features excerpts from Hoosier soldiers’ letters home to family and friends. Indiana lost almost 12,000 men and women during WWII and another 17,000 returned home bearing painful scars from the war.

#IndianaWarMemorials #WorldWarII #DowntownIndy #VisitIndy

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On this day, in 1998, the World War II Memorial, located in the American Legion Mall, was dedicated by Governor Evan Bayh. The World War II Memorial consists of a half-circle of granite and limestone, in addition to a freestanding column. The half-circle features excerpts from Hoosier soldiers’ letters home to family and friends. Indiana lost almost 12,000 men and women during WWII and another 17,000 returned home bearing painful scars from the war. #IndianaWarMemorials #WorldWarII #DowntownIndy #VisitIndy

Happy National Maritime Day!

Since the 13 British Colonies, the United States has been a great maritime nation. Today we recognize one of our country`s most important industries.

#IndianaWarMemorials #NationalMaritimeDay

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Happy National Maritime Day! Since the 13 British Colonies, the United States has been a great maritime nation. Today we recognize one of our country's most important industries. #IndianaWarMemorials #NationalMaritimeDay

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