The 49th annual Indy 500 Festival Parade paid tribute to Indiana’s rich culture, as well as the nation’s military.

“It makes me proud to be around all these other people that have experienced why our country’s free,” Indiana Army National Guard Spc. Ryan Rees, of C Company, 113th Medical Support Battalion, said. He was speaking not only of his fellow servicemembers, but also those they have fought for.

Rees and more than a dozen other servicemembers representing each of the five services participated in the parade at the invitation of the American Legion. Military participation in the parade is a constant, Lt. Col. J.R. Newman, with the Indiana Air National Guard’s 181st Fighter Wing, said.

“The whole weekend leading to the Indy 500 and then all the way through to Memorial Day is all about the military,” he said, praising the patriotic spirit of the city.

“It’s just tradition,” he added. “It’s kind of neat to be a part of it.”

Indy 500 Weekend Kicks Off With Parade Featuring Military

Patriotic Guard Riders, a group that participates in military funerals at families’ request, shows their support for the military in the 49th annual Indy 500 Festival Parade, in Indianapolis May 27. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley  

Servicemembers accompany the American Legion float, “Legacy of Service,” to the cheers of the crowd during the 49th annual Indy 500 Festival Parade, in Indianapolis. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley