Sunday, July 23, 2006
For those that have fallen in service to their country
Indianapolis, Indiana is noted for its memorials to the fallen men and women who have served in the United States military.
The first memorial, known as the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, was constructed in 1902, and sits in the middle of downtown Indianapolis. The 284.5 feet tall monument is the focus point of the "Circle".
The first memorial, known as the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, was constructed in 1902, and sits in the middle of downtown Indianapolis. The 284.5 feet tall monument is the focus point of the "Circle".
One of the intricate fountains that surround the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.
The American Legion's National Headquarters is located in Indianapolis, sitting at one end of the American Legion Mall.
Outside the American Legion National Headquarters is Indiana's Cenotaph. Known as Cenotaph Square the distinctive black granite memorial honors those that died during the "Great War" or World War I.
Under construction for nearly 40 years, the Indiana War Memorial sits as the center point of the vast collection of memorials. That's me sitting at the base of the Pro Patria. The 24 foot tall statue was designed and sculpted by Henry Hering in 1929.
The World War II Memorial was designed by Indianapolis architect Patrick Brunner, and has the distinction of having a nine foot radius in its half circle design. The concave portion of the Memorial contains quotes from various sources, including Ernie Pyle, the Hoosier war correspondent who chronicled World War II from the eyes of the men who served.
Dedicated in 1996 the Korean and Vietnam Memorials are "twins" that face each other. The limestone and granite semi-circles are engraved with the names of Hoosiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in service to their country. On the convex portion of each Memorial are maps showing where the conflicts took place.
Hoosier pride and patriotism is evident in these memorials, and there are still more to visit.
See ya next time!
Sid
See ya next time!
Sid
