Central Indiana observes Memorial Day

This Memorial Day holds special significance to so many Hoosier families who have lost loved ones in times of war. Many of those families attend the annual observance at Crown Hill Cemetery. Monday was the ceremony's 141st year.

First, living veterans old and young were recognized. Then, families of those left behind.

"Those families who have had a loved one lost in war, please stand and receive our gratitude for your sacrifice," prompted Major Christopher Barnthouse, Army (retired).

Jeanne Malad stood at the ceremony, holding the picture of her great uncle. He was a World War II veteran.

"The reason I wanted to remember him is because he has no children and he only has his relatives to remember him," said Malad.

That's why so many come to the ceremony.

A poignant moment was the roll call of 14 Hoosier heroes who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan in the last year.

Melanie Thompson Smith lost her 21-year-old son, Lance, in Iraq in November of 2004.

"He was killed...he was killed by a suicide bomber. The captain, Lance and the driver were killed.

There was but one survivor, the gunner. The gunner and a host of Lance's friends named their babies after him. Their pictures hang at his gravesite.

Many of Lance's friends stay in contact with his mother and, though she misses him, she knows he died -- like so many others -- serving the country he loved.

American Legion Service

The American Legion held a service in Franklin honoring those from Johnson County who paid the ultimate sacrifice in securing our freedom. Part of Monday's service included a moment for a firefighter who died serving in Iraq.

"Gary Henry who was an Indianapolis fireman was killed in Iraq. We're dedicating a cross to him. Next year he'll be added to the field of crosses we have on the courthouse lawn," said Phil Williams of the American Legion.

Henry grew up in Whiteland. Williams said he was surprised and honored at the number of people who braved the soggy weather to attend.

Fishers Monument

Farther north, the town of Fishers chose Memorial Day to break ground on a new monument.

"The monument is going to be constructed on the front lawn in front of the town hall in Fishers. It will consist of a fountain area surrounded by brick pavers honoring those who have fallen and given and sacrificed," said Pete Pippin of the Liberty Plaza Task Force.

Liberty Plaza will not only honor people in the military, it will also serve as a tribute to people in public safety service.

The monument will have eight pillars that will contain inscriptions. Pippin said its crowning glory will be a bronze eagle at its top with a wingspan of about 48 inches.

The town hopes to have the monument finished by Veteran's Day.