Jerry Burton, national president of the Tuskegee Airmen, speaks on Oct. 8, 2022, during the Tuskegee Airmen statues dedication ceremony at Freeman Municipal Airport in Seymour.
Tribune file photo
At the backdrop of the Indiana War Memorial on Monday morning, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Indiana Destination Development Corp. launched a new initiative: Military Monuments and Museums IN Indiana, powered by Luke Family of Brands.
“The Military Monuments and Museums IN Indiana initiative is a comprehensive program that encompasses war memorials, historical markers, museums and other distinctive locations that showcase the rich military history of the great state of Indiana,” said Crouch, Indiana’s secretary of agriculture and rural development. “This initiative is creating a network of information and immersive opportunities that unites all regions of Indiana.”
The site list some of the memorials, historical markers and monuments in Jackson County. The list includes the Jackson County War Memorial, Freeman Army Airfield Museum, Freeman Field Mutiny historical marker and Tuskegee Airmen statues, all in Seymour, and the Fort Vallonia historical marker in Vallonia.
IDDC collaborated with various organizations across Indiana to promote the state’s military history, including the Indiana National Guard, Indiana Historical Society, Indiana Historical Bureau, Indiana War Memorials and more. These partnerships demonstrate Indiana’s collective dedication to preserving its military heritage.
“We have a unique opportunity to spearhead a statewide program dedicated to educating and informing Hoosiers and visitors about the abundance of military history in Indiana,” said Elaine Bedel, secretary and CEO of Indiana Destination Development Corp. “We encourage you to participate in the Military Monuments and Museums IN Indiana initiative after its launch to show your support.”
The Military Monuments and Museums IN Indiana initiative has a dedicated microsite at visitindiana.com/military, where people can learn about Indiana’s military history and numerous locations around the state that showcase it.
The wide range of information on the microsite would not be possible without the statewide effort made by IDDC partners and Luke Family of Brands.
“We are proud and humbled to be a part of celebrating the great state of Indiana’s military history,” said Tom Collins II, Luke Family of Brands president and owner. “Thank you for all of our active military and veterans for your service to defend our nation and freedom.”