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Indiana's war dead honored at downtown Indianapolis service

Posted at 1:40 PM, May 24, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-24 21:17:20-04

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana War Memorial was the backdrop for the 500 Festival's annual Memorial Service, Friday.

With hundreds on hand, Indiana military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice were honored.

The audience heard from 95-year-old Hershel "Woody" Williams, the sole surviving Marine from World War Two to receive the Medal of Honor.

Shortly after the war's end in 1945, Williams was recognized at the White House by President Harry Truman for his heroic actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima in the Pacific.

Other guests of honor at Friday's service included sailors from the soon-to-be-commissioned USS Indianapolis, the fourth naval vessel to be named for the city.

A wreath-laying ceremony and a horse-drawn caisson was presented by the Indiana National Guard.