The events downtown begin with a Memorial Service at 11 a.m. on the north steps of the Indiana War Memorial Building. The featured speaker will be State Senator Jim Merritt. Other dignitaries will include U.S. Representatives Andre Carson and Mike Pence, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Mayor Jacques Krabel of the Chateau Theirry in France. Also included will be proclamations from state officials, music by the 38th Infantry Division Band, and (weather permitting) a flyover by the 122nd Fighter Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard.
At approximately 12:00 p.m., the annual Veterans Day Parade will kick off, following the traditional downtown parade route starting at Pennsylvania and Michigan Streets, south to New York Street, west to Meridian and north on Meridian Street to North Street.
The parade will feature over 80 units and nearly 2,000 people including groups from various veterans organizations, several marching bands from area high schools and the 38th Infantry Division Band. High School Junior ROTC units and other military and veteran related groups will also appear. The parade will last approximately 90 minutes.
The Memorial Service and Parade are sponsored by Walmart. Metered parking is free in the mile square downtown all day Wednesday, November 11th.
IndyGo has donated two hundred (200) bus passes for the use by veterans and they may be picked up at the Roudebush VA Medical Center. Participating Mike’s Express Car Wash locations in central Indiana will honor veterans by offering them a free car wash on Wednesday, November 11.
