The American Legion dedicates marker stone at the Governor's Residence

INDIANAPOLIS, June 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Commander of The American Legion, Department of Indiana, Ed Trice in a joint ceremony with Governor Mike Pence and First Lady Karen Pence, dedicated a marker stone at the base of the flagpole near the main entrance to the Governor's Residence at 9 a.m. June 4.

The limestone marker stone was quarried from southern Indiana and the plaque mounted to the stone identifies the flagpole as being dedicated to all Veterans of Indiana. The flagpole and plaque were officially dedicated in a ceremony Dec. 7 2013, as part of the state's Pearl Harbor Day commemoration ceremonies. The placement of the marker stone by the flagpole will allow the plaque to be read by visiting dignitaries and help serve as a center point to the building's main entrance. The flagpole, plaque and marker stone were donated by the 89,000 Legionnaires of the Department of Indiana.

70 years prior to this day, June 4, 1944, 156,000 American and Allied Soldiers were loading ships in English ports and preparing to embark on the "Great Crusade." This great crusade that Gen Eisenhower dubbed it in his personal message to the Invasion Troops would cost the Allied countries 4,414 dead in one day during the D-Day landings of June 6 ,1944. But it would lead to freeing millions of Europeans from the Nazi chains of oppression. Many Indiana veterans were part of that mighty undertaking and dedicating the marker stone on this day will assist the state in recognizing their efforts in defense of freedom.

"It was an honor to share the dedication of this stone marker with Governor Pence, in the name of all of Indiana's Veterans," said Indiana Department of the American Legion's Commander Ed Trice. "Now whenever someone visit's our state's Governor at the official residence, they will know that Indiana's veterans have always served with distinction and we as Hoosiers recognize their efforts in defense of our state and nation."

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140604/94392

SOURCE American Legion Department of Indiana