05/27/2026
Members of the Kevin Barry Division #3 once again gathered at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery on the southside of Indianapolis to freshen up the “1st Irish of Indiana 35th Volunteer Infantry Memorial” and honor twelve identified gravesites of Civil War veterans who served in the 1st Irish of Indiana 35th Volunteer Infantry between 1861 and 1865.
Memorial Day is dedicated to mourning and honoring the brave military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Originally known as “Decoration Day,” the observance began following the American Civil War as communities gathered to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags in remembrance of their sacrifice and service to our nation. That tradition continues today in cemeteries across America, including here in Indianapolis.
The Division began this important preservation and remembrance project in 2023 under the leadership of Division Historian Kevin Charles Murray. During this year’s visit, members cleaned the memorial area, replaced Irish flags, and cleaned the Grand Army of the Republic Veteran Medallions previously placed by our division at each gravesite in tribute to the Irish soldiers who served our nation during the Civil War.
The 35th Indiana Infantry Regiment, commonly known as the “1st Irish,” was organized in Indianapolis and officially mustered into Federal service on December 11, 1861. The regiment was largely made up of Irish-American immigrants and sons of Irish immigrants from throughout Indiana. Known for their distinctive emerald green caps and Irish battle flag bearing the motto “Be Just and Fear Not,” the regiment fought bravely in many major engagements of the Western Theater, including Stones River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, the Atlanta Campaign, Franklin, and Nashville. The regiment served honorably throughout the Civil War before mustering out in October 1865.
The identified veterans and burial locations include Lt. Col. John Ralfe, Pvt. Patrick Walpole, Sgt. Joseph A. Shaler, Capt. John Maloney, Capt. John Cahill, Pvt. Michael Kelleher, Capt. Christopher O’Brien, Maj. Henery Conkrind, Capt. James McHugh, Pvt. Thomas Fox, Pvt. Samuel McGrossen, and Pvt. W. Morrart.
The Kevin Barry Division takes great pride in honoring those Irish men who came before us and who played such an important role in shaping both our country and the Indianapolis Irish community. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication continue to inspire future generations of Hibernians.
Pictured at the 1st Irish of Indiana 35th Volunteer Infantry Memorial from left to right are Michael O'Gara, Brett Pauszek, Gavin O'Gara, John O'Gara, David Ruhmkorff, John Hegarty, Kevin Murray, Ryan McGinley, Tim Coughlin, and Chris Wilcher.
Thanks to Carrie Pauszek and Ryan McGinley for taking these pictures!
