Fort Wayne, Indiana – The city will hold a public dedication ceremony for The Spire: Wounded Veterans Memorial on Wednesday, November 11, at 5 p.m. The monument will be installed in the roundabout at Saint Francis Drive (formerly Leesburg Road) and West Main Street, creating a permanent tribute to wounded veterans and their families.
Mayor and officials to lead the ceremony
Mayor Sharon Tucker, representatives from the Public Works Division, and local military and government leaders are slated to speak at the event. The dedication will also honor former Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and his wife, Cindy, whose support helped bring the project to fruition.
Special accommodations for veterans
Veterans attending are encouraged to wear their military uniforms. In recognition of Purple Heart recipients, special seating will be placed directly in front of the monument, allowing them a prominent place during the ceremony.
Parking and traffic details
Attendees can park in the lots behind the VFW, Power Dynamics, and SweetCars locations. City officials ask visitors to arrive early, as Saint Francis Drive and West Main Street will be closed to through traffic from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Access to the three designated parking areas will remain open for those attending the dedication.
Community involvement and project background
The Spire: Wounded Veterans Memorial was conceived as a community‑driven effort to provide a visible, lasting reminder of the sacrifices made by Indiana’s service members. The city’s project website offers additional information about the design, funding sources, and ongoing maintenance plans.
Local veterans groups have praised the memorial as a place of reflection and gratitude. “This monument gives our wounded heroes a place to be seen and honored,” said a representative of the Fort Wayne VFW post. “It also reminds all of us that freedom comes at a cost, and we must never forget those who have paid it.”
How to participate
Members of the public are welcome to attend the dedication, observe the speeches, and pay respects at the monument. The city encourages families, schools, and civic organizations to join the ceremony as a way to teach younger generations about the values of service, sacrifice, and patriotism.
For further details, including a map of the ceremony site and parking instructions, visit the city’s official project page or contact the Fort Wayne Public Works Division.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
