State Sen. Mike Delph will deliver the keynote speech at the fourth annual Veterans’ Remembrance Day set for 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 26 on the south steps of the Indiana War Memorial, 431 N. Meridian St. in Indianapolis. This event will commemorate the 473 Hoosier veterans who have lost their lives while serving on active duty since 9/11.

“The residents of Indiana have shouldered its burden in the War on Terror waged since September 11, 2001,” Delph said. “This somber time will be an opportunity for us to come together as a community paying our respects for those service members who are no longer with us. It’s a reminder that all war has a tremendous cost – that even those who survive must pay a price each and every day. It’s a sobering reminder of the ongoing price of freedom paid for with the blood and lives of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines we most proudly call neighbor, friend, and Hoosier.”

The event is organized by the Young Marines of Indiana. The Indiana Young Marines’ Battalion Commander, David Hulett said this event focuses on every fallen Hoosier Service member who served on or since 9/11.

“At Veterans’ Remembrance Day, we call every single name of every fallen Hoosier Service member, regardless of cause of death,” Hulett said. “We believe it’s the dash between the dates of birth and death that mean the most to the families of these fallen heroes, so that’s what our Young Marines focus on.”

The event is open to the public and all community members are encouraged to attend. After Delph delivers his keynote address, 473 balloons will be released into the night sky – each with a personalized prayer card to honor the heroes.