INDIANAPOLIS (May 14, 2026) – The 500 Festival announces Lieutenant General of the Army National Guard Jonathan Stubbs as the keynote speaker for the American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service. The Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 22, at 12:00 p.m. at the Indiana War Memorial in downtown Indianapolis. The event is free and open to the public, but attendees are encouraged to RSVP at https://bit.ly/memorial26.   

Lieutenant General Jonathan Stubbs is the 23rd director of the Army National Guard. He began his military career in 1993 as a private first class before earning his commission in 1995 and serving as a career Army National Guard officer. Over the course of his service, he has held leadership roles from rifle platoon leader to brigade commander within the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. A decorated combat veteran, Stubbs led soldiers during two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

Prior to his current role, Stubbs served as the 54th adjutant general of Arkansas, deputy director for operations, readiness and mobilization at the Pentagon, and vice director for operations at the National Guard Bureau. He holds a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, and his awards include the Combat Infantryman Badge and two Bronze Star Medals. 

Joining Lieutenant General Stubbs at the American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service are Chair of the 500 Festival Board of Directors Christina Moungey, Vice Commander of The American Legion, Stephen Weismann, Mayor of Indianapolis, Joe Hogsett, and Governor of Indiana, Mike Braun. 

The Memorial Service will include the joint service color guard presentation of colors and performances by the Capital City Chorus and the Indiana National Guard’s 38th Infantry Division Band. A wreath-laying ceremony and a horse-drawn caisson will be presented by the Indiana National Guard Headquarters Ceremonial Unit. Fallen servicemen and women will also be honored with the playing of the “Taps”, a rifle salute, and a flyover.  

“We are honored to welcome Lieutenant General Jonathan Stubbs as our keynote speaker for this year’s Memorial Service,” said Dave Neff, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “His distinguished service and leadership, including his time leading soldiers in combat and supporting the readiness of our National Guard, reflect the commitment and sacrifice we gather to recognize and remember this weekend.” 

“The sacrifice of our Gold Star families is etched into the very foundation of our nation,” said Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs. “They have given us their most precious gift: their loved ones. It is our solemn duty and sacred obligation to wrap our arms around these families, support them to the fullest extent possible, and ensure the legacy of their sacrifice continues to guide our mission.” 

To learn more about the American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service please visit 500Festival/memorial.  

The 500 Festival Memorial Service is sponsored by: American Legion, ARI, Lucas Oil, Rolls-Royce, Nameless Catering, exclusive radio partner 95.5 WFMS (Cumulus Media), and WISH-TV, the exclusive statewide broadcast partner.  

WISH-TV will livestream the service Friday, May 22, on www.wishtv.com, as well as WISH-TV’s Facebook and YouTube channels. A commercial-free hour long special will air LIVE on WISH-TV, including YouTube TV and Hulu, Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m. 

The Indiana War Memorial and Museum will be open on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.