I had a trip take me to Indianapolis and fortunately, the hotel was just a short walk from the Indiana War Memorial and Museum (the website is a little confusing as it lists several memorials). The staff is very friendly and the museum is free! During my visit the Shrine Room (the main, large tower) was closed and work was being done on some of the floors. It didn't really get in the way of the exhibits and since it's free, I can go back another time.
On the way, I passed the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (above, left) which is a pretty imposing structure and recognized as one of the world’s outstanding monuments. It's 284.5 feet tall, and when it was made, the cost was equivalent to $500 million dollars. The water was turned off, but that'll be good to see on another visit. It's also centered in a brick traffic circle. Above center is the front entrance to the museum. On the ground floor, right by the entrance, is the auditorium. It was a very cool room and the center of the room (looking up) is above, right.
A mockup of the F-16 cockpit. Great picture when asked if there was much room in there.
A Cobra in the Vietnam room and one of many impressive war posters.
Live mask of Abraham Lincoln and his hands from 1860 - before before the stress he would carry and before he started wearing a beard. This was made in Chicago by Leonard Wells Volk when Lincoln was there in the role of a lawyer. That was some insight by Volk. The hands were made on a different visit.
This is a great shot and quote.
A couple more great posters. On the left is a pretty famous one by Howard Chandler Christy. They had exhibits for many people but I thought one for Ernie Pyle (from Indiana) was unique. They also had a tribute to Sammy L Davis, aka The Real Forrest Gump. They used the footage of Davis getting his Medal of Honor when Gump received his.
You have to appreciate a tutorial on how to take out a tank - or Crack that Tank.
A flag tied to the penning of the Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key.
If you're in Indianapolis - I would certainly visit this museum!
- mm -
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