Two-Day Celebration Honors Veterans in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS — The Veterans Day Council of Indianapolis hosted a two-day celebration to honor the bravery, commitment, and sacrifices of those who have served in the armed forces.

The festivities began with a public reception and awards ceremony held at the Indiana War Memorial.

“I had 21 years in the Air Force,” said Doug Haggan, president of the Veterans Day Council of Indianapolis. “So, it’s just an honor that a small group of the population comes out and says thank you to us for what we did. We gave up our lives.”

The ceremony recognized both veterans and community members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to supporting veterans' causes and initiatives.

“You could write a book with some of the things that they’ve done for the Indianapolis communities as far as veterans,” Haggan noted. “We also have two individuals from the high schools in this area that will be getting scholarships.”

Veteran Ken George emphasized that this day is about uniting as a community to express gratitude and respect for veterans’ sacrifices.

“The first 10 amendments of the Bill of Rights is what we stand for every time we step out into the battlefield and every time we say I do in this country,” stated Ken George, senior vice president of the Veterans Day Council of Indianapolis.

The ceremony also featured remarks from Tony Cross, leader of The American Legion’s ‘Be The One’ program, which focuses on supporting veterans' mental health. The celebrations will continue on Veterans Day with a service outside the Indiana War Memorial at 11 a.m.

“Indianapolis alone, our veterans, we’re very veteran rich,” George remarked. “If anything else, just say thank you for your service, and a good veteran will say thank you for your support.”

Following the service, there will be a Veterans Day parade starting at noon. The parade route will circle around Legion Mall and Indiana War Memorial, beginning at Michigan Street and Pennsylvania Street.