More than 100 people gathered at the Indiana War Memorial on Wednesday morning to commemorate Veterans Day.
Local leaders and community members met in downtown Indianapolis to honor those who served in the armed forces, an event organized by the Veterans Day Council of Indianapolis. The ceremony marked 106 years since the signing of the armistice that ended World War I, according to reports from WFYI and WBAA.
Ron Montague, who served in the U.S. Air Force and the Army Guard Reserve, hosted the gathering. Montague, a 2025 inductee into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame, oversaw the proceedings as the event moved toward a moment of transition for the next generation of service members.
Governor Mike Braun and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett both addressed the crowd, linking the day’s significance to their own family histories. Braun spoke of his father, who served as a tail gunner in the Army Air Corps during World War II, as a primary influence on his understanding of national service.
“That example taught me the importance of duty, sacrifice, and service to our country,” Braun said. “Indiana’s veterans have continued to put those values into action long after their active duty ends.”
While the event served as a memorial, it also functioned as a platform to highlight the economic and social stability of Indiana’s veteran population. Braun pointed to specific data to illustrate the state’s recent successes in veteran assistance programs.
According to data cited by WFYI and Indiana Public Radio, key welfare indicators for former service members in Indiana have changed. The Governor said that veteran homelessness in the state has declined by 18.7 percent, a figure representing the second-largest percentage decrease among U.S. states.
Employment figures also showed a notable gap between Indiana and the rest of the country. Braun said that Indiana’s veteran unemployment rate sat at just 1.7 percent in 2025, which is half the national average.
| Metric (2025 Data) | Indiana Veteran Statistic |
|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 1.7% |
| Homelessness Trend | 18.7% decrease |
Mayor Hogsett shared similar sentiments regarding the weight of military heritage, noting that his grandfather served in the Army and his father served in the U.S. Navy.
The ceremony moved beyond policy and statistics during the keynote address by Brig. Gen. Cathleen Eaken. Rather than focusing solely on state achievements, Eaken emphasized the personal responsibility of civilians to maintain connections with those who have transitioned out of active duty.
“We all know that our fellow service members need us, even when you exit service,” Eaken said. “Call them, check on them, and make sure that they have the support they need. It will probably be good for your soul as well.”
The morning concluded with a poignant scene in front of the War Memorial. More than a dozen young people, having chosen to enlist in the armed forces, stood before the crowd to take an oath of enlistment. The group dedicated themselves to the mission of supporting and defending the country, marking the cyclical nature of the service being honored.
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