500 Festival Memorial Service Honors Hoosier Heroes

Indianapolis honored and remembered fallen service members Friday at its annual 500 Festival Memorial Service downtown.  

Featured speaker Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, reflected on the traditions of Memorial Day, an “important and solemn day.” 

Lengyel also said he was honored to have met earlier with Gold Star Families, relatives of U.S. military service members who have died in combat.

The service took place at the Indiana War Memorial and included the tolling of the USS Indianapolis bell to honor Gold Star Families, a wreath laying in honor of Hoosiers who died in conflicts, a rifle salute, and other ceremonial acts.

Many in the crowd sported veteran hats and American flags pinned to their chests. Gen. Lengyel recognized the veterans as well as the grief of those whose relatives in the service did not return home.

“I believe that we best honor our fallen by enjoying the freedom that they held so dear. We honor their sacrifice through our formal events like this and we honor them through the ebb and flow of our daily lives,” Lengyel said.

Edward McFarland, a Korean and Vietnam War veteran, wore a pin which read “racism is an illness.” He said that as an African American veteran, he knows how often Black service members are forgotten in history. He said that he thought the service was excellent and important.

“It lets veterans know that they’re appreciated. After all, that’s just something that they need to know,” McFarland said.

After the ceremony, the crowd was invited to place white and red flowers at the foot of the Memorial in honor of the fallen.