NEW! Memorial Service Education Lessons

Each year, as part of the month of May festivities, the 500 Festival honors the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country on the Friday prior to the Indianapolis 500. The 500 Festival Memorial Service, presented by Rolls-Royce, is held on the North steps of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument located on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis.  Officers representing the various Armed Services, families of fallen soldiers, Indiana’s governor, Indianapolis’ mayor, Junior ROTC cadets, and other dignitaries join together to honor the fallen in a solemn service.

To help students understand the significance of Memorial Day and develop an appreciation for the 500 Festival Memorial Service, the 500 Festival has created lessons in conjunction with the 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500 Education Program which are designed to teach fourth and/or fifth grade students about the history and traditions associated with Memorial Day and the 500 Festival’s Memorial Service. 

The first activity is an introduction to the traditions and rituals of the Memorial Service.  The second activity focuses on the history of the USS Indianapolis.  The bell from the USS Indianapolis is used in the 500 Festival Memorial Service.  The lessons are aligned with the Indiana Academic Standards with an emphasis on social studies and language arts standards.

The 2011 500 Festival Memorial Service is Friday, May 27. Schools are welcome to attend the Memorial Service, which begins at noon. For those unable to attend, Indianapolis television station WTHR TV13 has offered to webcast the service on its website; www.wthr.com.

Click here to download the Memorial Service Lesson plans.