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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

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…
Press Releases
November 18, 2022

Shining A Light Holiday Projection

Visit Monument Circle this holiday season to see the holiday projection of Shining A Light! You’ll be moved by the massive 360° coordinated audio, video and light projection that transforms Monument…
EVENTS

Honor Indiana Veterans With Your Presence

No event found!
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

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#IndianaWarMemorials

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument has been a symbol of Indianapolis for over 100 years!

This image from December 1962, shows beautiful Monument Circle with a light dusting of snow as downtown commuters are greeted by the gigantic "tree" at the Circle on their way to and from work.

#soldiersandsailorsmonument 

(Photo: Larry George / Indy Star)
Have you visited the Circle of Lights and the Shining a Light holiday presentation this year? Come #BackDowntown and spend an evening celebrating the holidays in Indy! 

Learn more:

https://downtownindy.org/events/circle-of-lights

#LoveIndy #CircleofLights
Commemorate your Veteran's legacy this Veterans Day by purchasing a Brick of Honor from the Indiana War Memorials Foundation.

The Brick of Honor will be placed at the foot of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument come spring of 2025, creating a lasting tribute to your veteran's service and sacrifice in the heart of Indianapolis.

Learn more about purchasing a brick: https://www.indianawarmemorials.org/commemorate/. 

#VeteransDay #IndyBricksofHonor #MonumentCircle
The Indiana War Memorial was built to honor Hoosier veterans of World War I and now honors all Hoosiers who served.  It is richly adorned with historical significance and  designed to closely resemble the appearance of the original Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Visit the Indiana War Memorial and Museum to learn more about the military history of Indiana’s military history. The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm 

Admission is free. 

*** The Shrine Room is closed for construction and is slated to remain closed for approximately seven months.

#IndianaWarMemorials #IndianaWarMemorialMuseum
On Dec 16, 1944, the Battle of the Bulge began. The Battle took place in the Ardennes region of Belgium and was Germany’s last major offensive of World War II. Winston Churchill called the battle “the greatest American battle of the war.” Lasting six brutal winter weeks, the Battle of the Bulge paved the way for an Allied victory. 

#IndianawarMemorials #BattleoftheBulge
A World War II era poster encouraging the purchase of war bonds from 1942. Did you know the Indiana War Memorial Museum has an extensive collection of WWI and WWII Propaganda Posters on display?

Plan your visit to the Museum Wednesday through Sunday from 9am. to 5pm. for a great activity for the entire family this holiday season!

Admission is free!

*** The Shrine Room is closed for construction and is slated to remain closed for approximately seven months.

#ThePresentwithaFuture #IndianaWarMemorials #posterart
Happy Birthday to the United States National Guard! 

Did you know Indiana is the 17th most populated state but we are the 7th largest National Guard.

Always Ready, Always There! 

#uscoastguard #alwaysready #alwaysthere
Commemorate your Veteran's legacy this Veterans Day by purchasing a Brick of Honor from the Indiana War Memorials Foundation.

The Brick of Honor will be placed at the foot of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument come spring of 2025, creating a lasting tribute to your veteran's service and sacrifice in the heart of Indianapolis.

Learn more about purchasing a brick: https://www.indianawarmemorials.org/commemorate/. 

#VeteransDay #IndyBricksofHonor #MonumentCircle