It was a perfect sunny early summer day – Memorial Day, 2022, in Fishers. People were out walking the Municipal Complex and the Nickel Plate Trail. The birds were singing among the trees near City Hall.
But the large crowd had assembled at the Municipal Complex for a very specific reason – to honor America’s war dead on this Memorial Day. I have been attending these Fishers Memorial Day commemorations for about 10 years, and this year’s observance drew the largest number of people ever.
The event was planned by the recently-formed Fishers Armed Services Commission.
The featured speaker was a Fishers resident, retired Brigadier General Don Canaday, speaking about how the nation of Luxembourg remembers war with a group of 100 people each year at this time. Europeans have experienced war on their land and they do not forget. They also have not forgotten the Americans that perished in European wars.
He remembered friends in uniform that served in Vietnam with him but did not return.
Canaday reminded those assembled that whenever America is threatened, young people are willing to make the sacrifices to defend the nation.
Emcee El Ahlwardt reminded the crowd that it is not a good idea to wish anyone a happy Memorial Day. “This is not a happy day,” he said.
Ahlwardt also recognized Wayne Caldwell, a veteran that had spoken at many Memorial Day observances in Fishers. Mr. Caldwell died last February and his widow accepted an award on her deceased husband’s behalf.
Mayor Scott Fadness spoke about the sacrifices Americans have made in war time.
“I don’t think they sacrificed their lives and their futures for the political discourse we see in our country today,” said Fadness. The mayor said those sacrifices were made so their sons and daughters can become part of a community like Fishers, and be willing to be part of a community that is much bigger than themselves.
Brigadier General Canady had the most telling remark of the day – “There’s no such thing as a good war.”
Here are more photos from Monday morning’s ceremony:
