Service Remembers Fallen Hoosiers

About 48,000 Hoosiers have lost their lives in wars.

Friday, the state recognized their service and the sacrifices of their families.

With a giant American flag serving as the backdrop, Indiana governor Mike Pence spoke on the steps of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument downtown during the Indy 500 Memorial Service.

He says Memorial Weekend in Indiana is associated with celebrations, but more importantly, is to honor heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"As parades assemble, as cars are fueled, and as the playoffs march forward, Hoosiers never forget that Memorial weekend is not so much about any of those things as it is about paying a debt we will never be able to fully repay," said Pence.  

The service concluded with a wreath laying ceremony to honor all Hoosiers killed in war.

Gen. Frank Grass served as the keynote speaker. Grass is the Chief of the National Guard Bureau and says Memorial Day is not only a time to reflect on the lives of those lost, but the families who have to live without their soldiers.

"We can never know what you go through day in and day out," Grass said to the families.  "But, I will tell you that as long as we have a United States of America we will be here with you."

Earlier in the day, Pence distributed Gold Stars to five families who lost a relative in battle over the past year.

There are currently about 550,000 veterans living in the state.