Memorial Day 2022

HONORING THE COURAGE OF HEROES

Memorial Day is a big day for Crown Hill — a celebration of patriotism, pride, and freedom. A Hoosier fixture for more than 150 years, it is the longest-running Memorial Day ceremony in Indiana. We’re pleased to invite the public to join us once again to our Memorial Day Band Concert and Ceremony as we celebrate and honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Memorial Day Schedule

  • Historic Walking Tours, conducted by Crown Hill Tour Guides will be held before and after the ceremony at 10 am, 11 am, Noon, and 3 pm (or following the ceremony) for approximately 45 minutes each. Tour themes will vary. (The first three tours will depart from the front of the Gothic Chapel; the last tour will depart from behind the ceremony stage.)
  • 1:30 pm – Band Concert, performed by the popular Indiana Army National Guard’s 38th Division Band.
  • 2:00 pm – 152nd Memorial Day Ceremony featuring keynote speaker Marine Corporal Josh Bleill, a Color Guard, chaplain, patriotic music, flag-lowering, Taps, 21-Howitzer cannon salute, and more.
  • Throughout Memorial Day, beginning at 10 am, visitors can stop by Dr. Richard Gatling’s grave site and see Civil War reenactors from the 1st Wisconsin Regiment demonstrate a Gatling Gun, one of Gatling’s many inventions and the one he’s best known for. His memorial is located on the edge of the Crown Hill National Cemetery, opposite the Gothic Chapel.

Introducing Keynote Speaker Marine Corporal Josh Bleill (Ret.)

Marine Corporal Josh Bleill

We’re pleased to present Marine Corporal Josh Bleill as our keynote speaker for our 152nd Memorial Day Ceremony. This will be Corp. Bleill’s second Memorial Day Ceremony to take the stage and we’re very excited to welcome him back.

Upon completion of his education at Purdue University, Bleill decided to serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and was activated for a tour of duty in Iraq in 2006. While serving in Iraq, Corporal Bleill was severely injured, resulting in the loss of both of his legs. After extensive rehabilitation, Bleill returned to Indiana in August of 2008, where he attacked his new life head-on. We invite you to join us on Memorial Day to hear this inspiring war veteran as he shares a patriotic message from his own experiences of service, sacrifice, adversity, and triumph.

21-gun Howitzer Cannon salute by the Indiana Army National Guard

Location & Parking
Our Memorial Day Concert and Ceremony will take place behind the historic Gothic Chapel, which can be located by following the white line painted on the road from either cemetery entrance. The first three walking tours will depart from in front of the Gothic Chapel; the walking tour after the ceremony will depart from behind the stage. Plenty of free parking is available around the Gothic Chapel. You’re encouraged to arrive early.

Bottled water and chairs will be available at the ceremony. You may bring your own folding chair or blanket if desired.

We will pass out literature and small flags at the gates, as we have in the past, and our offices will be open until 5 pm. Public restrooms will be available in our offices and behind the Gothic Chapel. The 38th St. gate will be open from 8 am – 8 pm and the 34th St. gate will be open from 8 am – 5 pm.

Monday, May 30
  • Free

  • Band Concert, 1:30 pm; Memorial Day Ceremony, 2:00 pm; Tours at 10 am, 11 am, Noon, & 3 pm (after the ceremony)