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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

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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.

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

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
Did you know that the Indiana War Memorial was designed after World War I to honor the Hoosier Veterans and casualties of the Great War? 
Located in the Indiana War Memorial Historic district, the Memorial houses a 30,000 sq foot museum that tells the story of Indiana’s military history.

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

#IndianaWarMemorials #IndianasBestKeptSecret
Early on the morning of January 17, 1991 the Persian Gulf War began. 

The Persian Gulf War was the response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait. Learn more about the Gulf War at the Indiana War Memorial and Museum, 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
William H Grider, of Colburn , Tippecanoe County, Indiana was inducted into the U.S. Army in January 1943. 

Grider received two Bronze Service Stars and the Air Medal for his extensive bravery in World War II with the 8th Air Force's strategic bombing campaign against Nazi-occupied Europe. 

Visit the Indiana War Memorial and Museum to see William Grider’s medals on display and learn more about other Hoosier heroes from World War II. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9a.m. to 5p.m. Admission is free! 

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

 
#IndianaWarMemorials #WorldWarIIHeroes
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
Do you ever wonder how the Indiana War Memorial found its home in the Indianapolis area?

Learn more about the history and the construction of the Indiana War Memorial:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq3ckOZhH3U.

#IndianaWarMemorial #indysbestkeptsecret

(Image: Bass Photo Co Collection, Indiana Historical Society.)
On this day in 1920 the Treaty of Versailles took effect, officially bringing an end to World War I.

Visit the Indiana War Memorial and Museum to learn more about World War I and the Treaty that was to bring peace to the world in the years that followed. 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.

#TreatyofVersailles #WorldWar1 

(Image: history.com)
On January 8, 1866 a public reception was held for the 28th United States Colored Troops, the only African American regiment organized in Indiana. 

The original battle flag for the 28th Indiana Regiment is on display at the Indiana War Memorial and Museum in the recently relocated Eli Lilly Civil War Exhibition. 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.

#CivilWarHistory #IndianaWarMemorials 

(Image: 28th USCT at the Battle of Crater, July 30, 1864. Painting by Don Troiani)