LAWRENCE, Ind. – Thanks to fundraising by Indiana’s credit unions, the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame (IMVHOF) Memorial has been officially dedicated here to honor military veterans and their families in the Hoosier state.
More than $300,000 was raised by Indiana’s credit unions to build the Memorial, which officially opened April 5 and which offers a permanent tribute to the honor brought to the state and nation by the sacrifice of Indiana military veterans and their families.
The Indiana league said Indiana’s credit unions and their business partners, the league itself, and individuals associated with those organizations have all contributed to help construct the building. The memorial is located on the grounds of the American Legion Headquarters in Lawrence, Ind., near the Fort Benjamin Harrison Army Complex. It honors all Hoosier military veterans, and in particular, those who have been inducted into the IMVHOF.
Indiana League President John McKenzie represented credit unions statewide at the April 5 ceremony with remarks of praise for all veterans, and he thanked Indiana’s credit unions for making the new facility possible. Kevin Ryan, CEO of Financial Center First CU and Vice Chairman of the IMVHOF organization board, opened the event offering his thoughts and perspectives. Ryan and McKenzie traveled the state last year presenting information at credit union meetings to build support for funding the memorial. They were joined at the ceremony by several dignitaries, including U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly, U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks and spokespeople for U.S. Reps. Todd Rokita and Jim Banks. Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb also was represented along with elected officials from the Indiana General Assembly. IMVHOF Board Chairman Colonel (U.S. Army Retired) Russ Dowden presided over the event. He is a board member of Financial Center First CU. Many credit union supporters were among the 100-plus guests at the grand opening ceremony, the league said.
“It was a great day for veterans and credit unions to celebrate the opening of this facility and see it become a reality,” said Ryan.
“Indiana’s credit unions and their leaders support a lot of worthy causes in their communities in addition to serving their members so well,” said McKenzie. “When we asked them to also support this and make it a priority, they came through in a most impressive manner.”
Seventy-Three Patriots
The highest contributor level was the “Patriot Level.” According to the league, there were 73 individuals, credit union organizations, and business partners at that level. For the 34 individuals in that category, the personal donations were $1,000 or higher.
Earlier this year, the funding by credit unions and building of the memorial was recognized by the Indiana General Assembly through a Concurrent Resolution. McKenzie and Ryan represented Hoosier credit unions at the Jan. 9 gathering of Indiana legislators, accepting the resolution and offering remarks before the convened House of Representatives. State Representative John Bartlett introduced the resolution, mentioning that, “The Indiana General Assembly expresses its sincere gratitude to Indiana credit unions for providing the funding to build the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame Memorial.”
The league reported the facility is the only free-standing memorial of its kind in the nation. There are 62 veterans who have been inducted into the IMVHOF from various branches of the armed forces. The induction event is held in November each year.
“The stories of sacrifice, courage, and heroism about each inductee covered at that event are incredible,” the league said. “The memorial brings greater awareness to more people about these stories and to the sacrifice and service to our country by all veterans.”