Interior of the Indiana World War Memorial by deecat
Originally built to honor Hoosiers in World War I, it has since been rededicated for World War II and other wars.Inside is just as breathtaking as the outside. It has 3 main floors, each equally beautiful. On the upper level is the incredible Shrine Room This room symbolizes peace and unity. It is made of materials from all over the world (symbolic that World War I was world wide in nature). They tell you that if you visit the Shine Room, you will leave with "a renewed sense of patriotism and an appreciation for the sacrifices of those who fought in the first World War." It does, indeed.
The Main Floor houses exhibit space, offices, and two 75-seat meeting rooms. In addition, it also houses a 500 seat Pershing Auditorium. The public can use the two rooms and the auditorium for a nominal fee. Quite impressive is the list of names of all Hoosiers who participated in World War I & all Hoosiers killed or missing in action from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The enormity of these lists is quite sobering.
On this main floor, we viewed an exhibit (photographic and commentary) concerning all the winners of the Medal of Honor. We spent a good deal of time here because it was so impressive...beautiful, bittersweet, and historic.
On the Lower Level, there is a FREE Military Museum portraying the history of Indiana's veterans. There's a commission plate of the battleship U.S.S. Indiana, Military firearms, Korean War era helicopter, Mexican War cannon, a Navy Terrier Missile, & a Desert Storm Humvee.
The use of marble, granite, brass, and gold leaf is really something. We commented that this structure would last forever!
The photograph is of a green marble water fountain. I just could not resist taking a picture.
