Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, a Marine Corps veteran, speaks at the Indianapolis Veterans Day Service held on the north steps of the Indiana War Memorial, downtown Indianapolis.

The Indianapolis Veterans Day Parade, Pennsylvania Street.

Photos by John Crosby

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The Veterans Day Council of Indianapolis is a voluntary, 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is to bring about a wholesome and constructive relationship between the community and veterans of our Armed Forces. The activities of the Council culminate in our annual observance of Veterans Day.

In the mid 1960's, some civic-minded individuals decided that the City of Indianapolis needed to honor Indiana Veterans with a special observance of Veterans Day. Many of the smaller cities and towns in Indiana as well as many Service Organization Posts in Indianapolis did indeed recognize Hoosier Veterans on this special day, but there was no citywide observance of what was initially known as Armistice Day.

Through the joint effort of civic leaders, military leaders, educators and the business community, a committee was formed to organize appropriate recognition events for a Veterans Day observance. Records of those early organizational meetings are not available, and it was not until 1972 that the first official records of the Veterans Day Council were created. All the records from 1972 to 2014 are available in bound volumes in the library of The American Legion National Headquarters.

Today Veterans Day in Indianapolis is observed in much the same way as in those early years, with a Veterans Day Service, a Parade and a Banquet. The Veterans Day Council is now incorporated, but its charge has not changed since it was organized in the 1960's - - to appropriately recognize the Veterans of Indiana so that their deeds and sacrifices will not be forgotten.

2016 Veterans Day Agenda

Time And Event Location
Service
10:30 a.m. Musical Prelude Indiana War Memorial
Performed by the 38th Division Band, Indiana Army National Guard,
and the U.S. Coast Guard Glee Club
North steps of the Indiana War Memorial

11:00 a.m. Veterans Day Service Indiana War Memorial
North steps of the Indiana War Memorial

Parade
11:45 a.m. Veterans Day Parade Downtown Indianapolis
The parade kicks off as soon as the Veterans Day Service concludes. More than 80 units march in this annual parade, which begins at Michigan and Pennsylvania Streets, moves south on Pennsylvania to New York Street, west to Meridian Street and finishes at North Street.

Banquet
5:30 p.m. Reception Primo Banquet Hall and Conference Center
Primo Banquet Hall & Conference Center, 2615 National Avenue, Indianapolis.

6:30 p.m. Dinner Primo Banquet Hall and Conference Center
An awards ceremony follows dinner to recognize all who sacrifice so much for the Indianapolis and surrounding communities, our veterans and the youth that participated in the Veterans Day events.

Parking in the downtown area around the Indiana War Memorial on Veterans Day during the daytime is very limited. Please plan to arrive early. The main entrance to the War Memorial is on Michigan Street. There are also surface lots and parking garages within walking distance of both the War Memorial and the Soldiers & Sailors Monument.