500 Memorial Service Honors Military Hoosiers

INDIANAPOLIS -- There's more to Indianapolis 500 and Memorial Day weekend than racing, barbecues and travel. It's a time to honor those who have given their lives in the service of our country.

Since Memorial Day 2007, 23 new names were added to the honor roll of Hoosiers who answered freedom's call and never returned, 6News' Norman Cox

All of them were saluted, along with many who went before them.

Gov. Mitch Daniels had returned just hours before Friday's ceremony from a trip to visit Indiana troops in Iraq. The governor paused several times to gather his emotions as he told the audience they should be incredibly proud of the job troops are doing.

"After World War II, Gen. George Marshall was asked how it was that America had triumphed and he said, 'We have a secret weapon -- the best damn kids in the world,'" Daniels said as he choked back tears. "I'm here to tell you, we still do. The young people and not so young who are serving us today … are holding up the tradition of those we came here to celebrate."

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, a former Marine, said that one of the reasons America honors its troops so much is because they are fighting for the freedom of others.

Since last Memorial Day, twenty-three new names have been added to the honor roll of Hoosiers who answered freedom's call and never returned. Today on Monument Circle, they were saluted, along with the many who went before them.

The caisson, rider-less horse and the playing of taps symbolized the tribute the U.S. pays to those who make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our way of life. To the Gold Star families who have lost loved ones, it's a time of pride and trauma.

"The most important thing is we just don't want people to forget," said Lori Abbott, mother of Spc. Nicholas Hartge. "These boys are out there every day … serving our country."