Fallen servicemen honored at memorial

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The 500 festival weekend began with the annual memorial service at Monument Circle. The service honors the more than 52,000 Hoosiers who died serving our country.

Hundreds gathered at the circle. This inscription chiseled on the towering monument explains for whom they came to pay tribute.

"They did their duty. It is our duty to continue the March. So that the entire world understands that as long as there is an American man or woman who is willing to put on the uniform, freedom and democracy will exist on this earth," said Mayor Greg Ballard.

During the ceremony the bell of the U.S.S. Indianapolis rang 16 times, once for each Hoosier who died in combat over the past 12 months.

"If others may forget or others may take for granted the unique blessings that have been secured by the people we are here to remember, it won't happen here. Indiana never forgets," said Governor Mitch Daniels.

The ceremony was filled with rich military traditions, like the caisson platoon and rider less horse.

"This nation cannot succeed without the dedication of men and women who give their lives willingly. Who give the last full measure voluntarily to preserve the republic for all the years we've been a nation," said General Craig McKinley, the keynote speaker.

The service ended with jet fighters flying the missing man formation, another reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many Hoosiers.