While in Indianapolis, pay a visit to the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial, a spectacular monument made up of 27 curved glass panels on a concrete podium. It consists of 15 walled sections, each representing a different armed conflict and containing the names of the recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in the U.S. military. Make your way through this poignant tribute and read the names of these valiant figures.
Stroll along the picturesque Canal Walk that skirts the side of the monument. Enjoy charming views of the White River and notice how the glass of the memorial can sometimes create a rainbow effect in the water.
Climb up the concrete steps of the sloping embankment and stroll through the maze of glass panels, reading the names etched in the blue-green glass walls in the shape of sails.
Set up a picnic between the trees on a sunny afternoon and reflect on the poignancy of the monument. At dusk, speakers play 30-minute recorded stories of some of the medalists from the various battles and wars. Listen attentively to learn about the human cost from these military conflicts. The intricate lighting system of the structure shows which section of the memorial corresponds with each story.
Relax near the leafy hill backing onto the memorial and watch the sun set over the canal. Spot the towers of the city center to the east turning into silhouettes against the darkening sky. The memorial was inaugurated in 1999 by locals Caroline and John Hodowal and is part of White River State Park.
Find the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial at the southern edge of Military Park, skirting the western side of the Mile Square district. Walk west from the city center for about 15 minutes to get here.
While you’re in the area, see neighboring attractions such as Victory Field, the Dolphin Pavilion and the White River Gardens.
