LAWRENCE — Hoosiers will see a lot of red, white and blue for the Fourth of July, but the star-spangled banner carries a different weight for those who fought for the flag.
The Field of Honor outside of the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame in Lawrence pays tribute to veterans for Independence Day. 500 American flags are flying on the lawn, each with a name tag for a different service member from Indiana.
Lew Mathis, a master sergeant in the United States Marine Corps who served in Vietnam and Lebanon, quickly found the flag in his honor.
"This is one of the greatest things that can happen," Mathis said. "It recognizes the guys that have been there. You don't know what it does to our heart when we get some form of recognition."
Faith Martinez helped lead the effort to raise the flags on Wednesday. Her family has deep connections to the military.
"My dad and husband were all in the Army, and my son was in the Air Force," Martinez said. "I have an uncle and brother-in-law who were in the Marines and a brother-in-law who was also in the Army."
Martinez hopes the flags and the stories behind them can unite Indiana for Independence Day.
"This flag means peace, happiness and freedom, and we need that," Martinez said.
Mathis also wants Hoosiers to come and see the Field of Honor.
"It's amazing," Mathis said. "People should come out here and see how many flags there are for veterans from Indiana. It brings tears."
-
Brownsburg Little League Majors All-Stars win state title, advance to regionals
The Brownsburg Little League Majors All-Stars have made their hometown proud, clinching the state title this past Monday in South Bend.
Bringing the Boom: Noblesville's new arena ready for NBA G League
Professional sports have officially arrived in Noblesville now that the Arena at Innovation Mile is complete.
Southern Boone County residents urge commissioners to reject re-zoning proposal
Residents in southern Boone County have voiced their concerns, urging the county commissioner to vote against a proposal to re-zone agricultural land.
Marian University medical students make an impact in their community
Marian University students traded their stethoscopes for shovels to help those in need. Students partnered with volunteers to complete home repair projects for low-income older homeowners.
