Indiana National Guard

ICYMI: There was nothing quite like the energy of the this past Memorial Day weekend! What a celebration of speed, tradition, freedom, and the American spirit!

It was an honor to stand alongside the Indiana National Guard and service members from across every branch of our Armed Forces to give the military address to the hundreds of thousands gathered before our nation’s most iconic race.

As the engines roared, the 38th CAB flew over the track, and the crowd came alive, we were reminded of the spirit that has always driven this nation forward: Courage , Service, Sacrifice, and the Unwavering Love of Country!

That same American spirit continues to unite us, inspire us, and remind us just how proud we are to call this nation home!

Today, we pause. We reflect. We remember.

At ceremonies across Indiana, Soldiers and Airmen of the Indiana National Guard joined their fellow Americans in honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to this nation, those who never made it home.

The wreath is laid. The colors fly. Taps echoes.

And we are reminded that freedom is not free. It never has been. It endures only because some are willing to stand, to go, and if necessary, to give everything.

To every Gold Star family. To every empty chair. To every name on every wall.

We remember. We are grateful. We will never forget.

“Freedom exists because in every generation, ordinary Americans choose to do something extraordinary: they raise their right hand and swear an oath to serve something greater than themselves. On Memorial Day, we pause not only to recognize that commitment but to remember those who carried it to its fullest measure. Those who never made it home.”

Read more from Indiana’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich. 👇🏼

Celebrating Memorial Day: Freedom in action • Indiana Capital Chronicle On Memorial Day, we remember those who answered that call and never came home. Those who moved toward danger so others could live in peace.

Yesterday, the streets of Indianapolis belonged to patriotism, pride, and the enduring spirit of freedom. 🇺🇸

It was an honor to stand alongside more than 200,000 Hoosiers as the Indiana National Guard marched in the 2026 Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade, one of our nation’s premier traditions.

From the precision of our Joint Service Color Guard to the incredible sound of the 38th Infantry Division Band, our Guardsmen represented Indiana with professionalism, pride, and purpose.

As we head into Memorial Day weekend and the Indy 500, we also remember those who made these moments possible. The freedoms we celebrate today were secured by Americans willing to give everything for this nation.

Proud to serve beside these remarkable Guardsmen.

Swipe to see the highlights 👉🇺🇸

What an honor to be apart of the 500 Festival Memorial Service.

Memorial Day reminds us that for some, the sacrifices became permanent. And yet, across generations, Americans continue to boldly step forward to serve our nation.

Today, we honor those who gave everything in defense of others and remember that the freedoms we enjoy were secured by those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.

It’s on us to Earn It!

Today, Indiana’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich hosted the Director of the Army National Guard, LTG Jonathan Stubbs at Camp Atterbury, Indiana!

The visit highlighted innovation happening with UAS and demonstrated how the Army Transformation Initiative is actively shaping the modern force. The Indiana National Guard is one of the first states to go through the from an Infantry Brigade Combat Team to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team, and we are excited for the opportunity to showcase our capabilities and dedication to the warfighter.

It is an exciting time for the U.S. Army modernization as we look to the future of the !

More than 250 future service members stood together at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and took the oath to serve during a joint enlistment ceremony held as part of Armed Forces Day weekend and in honor of America’s upcoming 250th birthday.

Surrounded by family members, supporters and military leaders, these enlistees committed themselves to something bigger than themselves and officially began their journey in the United States Armed Forces.

The official party included Doug Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president, Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich, Sen. Jim Banks, U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, U.S. Rep. Jefferson Shreve and Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies Michael Dodd.

One moment. One oath. One shared commitment to serve our nation.

(Indiana National Guard photos by Sgt. Skyler Schendt, Staff Sgt. Hector Tinoco and Sgt. Austin Goss)

| Senator Jim Banks | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | Congressman Jefferson Shreve | Representative Victoria Spartz | U.S. Department of War | 500 Festival | U.S. Army |U.S. Navy | United States Air Force | U.S. Marine Corps | Indiana Army National Guard | Indiana Air National Guard | 38th Infantry Division Band - Indiana Army National Guard | U.S. Coast Guard | United States Space Force

We are deeply honored to announce that Lieutenant General Jonathan Stubbs, the 23rd Director of the Army National Guard, will be the keynote speaker for the 2026 The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service!

LTG Stubbs has an incredible legacy of service. He began his military career in 1993 as a private first class before earning his commission in 1995. A decorated combat veteran, he has held leadership roles ranging from rifle platoon leader to brigade commander within the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, including two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

We invite our entire community to join us for a powerful moment of reflection and remembrance.

When: Friday, May 22 at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Indiana War Memorial (Downtown Indianapolis)
Cost: Free and open to the public

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors as we gather to honor our nation's heroes. We hope to see you there!



RSVP encouraged: bit.ly/memorial26

We are honored to share that Lieutenant General of the Army National Guard Jonathan Stubbs will be the keynote speaker for the 2026 American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service 🎖️

Lieutenant General Jonathan Stubbs is the 23rd director of the Army National Guard. He began his military career in 1993 as a private first class before earning his commission in 1995 and serving as a career Army National Guard officer.

Over the course of his service, he has held leadership roles from rifle platoon leader to brigade commander within the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. A decorated combat veteran, Stubbs led soldiers during two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

We hope you'll join us for a moment of reflection on Friday, May 22, at 12:00 p.m. at the Indiana War Memorial in downtown Indianapolis. The event is free and open to the public 💙⭐

RSVP encouraged 🔗 bit.ly/memorial26

Congratulations to General Daniel Zmeko on a distinguished career and his retirement as the Slovak Chief of the General Staff. The Indiana National Guard is incredibly grateful for his steadfast leadership, his direct support of the Indiana - Slovak State Partnership Program, and his dedication to Joint Readiness over the years.

As one chapter closes, a new one begins. We were honored to witness the Change of Command and warmly welcome the new Slovak Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Miroslav Lorinc. The Indiana National Guard looks forward to building on our 30+ year foundation, enhancing our joint training opportunities, and advancing NATO interoperability together in the years to come!