Monument Circle’s name derives from the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the middle of the circular, brick-paved street. Soldiers and Sailors Monument was originally designed to honor the Indiana veterans of the Civil War but now it commemorates all Hoosier veterans who served before the dedication of the monument in 1902. Every year since 2019 Monument Circle commemorates once again with their holiday festive of lights. Every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Hoosiers excitingly gather for the lighting of the tree ceremony.