The USS Indianapolis Memorial is a solemn tribute to the brave officers and men of the United States heavy cruiser that was tragically torpedoed and sunk during the final days of World War II in the Pacific. This open-air site is available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and stands as a reminder of those who lost their lives in this tragedy. The north side of the monument is engraved with the name of the ship, while the south side bears the names of its crew and a passenger who was part of its final crew. Small crosses next to some names indicate those who perished in the sinking of the boat.
The USS Indianapolis Memorial was created by survivors of the tragedy, who held their first meeting in 1960 to discuss how best to honor their fallen comrades. After much searching, a suitable property in Indianapolis was found and on July 30, 1995, the monument was inaugurated with an attendance of 3,500 people, including 107 survivors. Retired Navy Captain James Hold, president of the USS Indianapolis Survivors Memorial Organization, spoke at the inauguration: “The men who lived have carried a terrible burden of unworthy emotions.” The monument serves as a place for people to pay their respects and remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. The USS Indianapolis Memorial is located at the north end of Canal Walk Walnut Street, 26% of Senate Avenue, Indianapolis Central Canal, Marion County, Indiana 46202. To find it on Google Maps, simply search for “USS Indianapolis Memorial”.
