largest of its kind in Indiana. The monument was included in the National Register of Historic Places on February 13, 1973. In 2011, the American Planning Association recognized Monument Circle as one of nation's "great public spaces" in its annual "Great Places in America" ranking. The minor league Indy Eleven soccer team features Victory prominently in their logo. The Indianapolis city police have the monument as a feature of their badge. Monument Circle The monument is surrounded by the diameter Monument Circle. The Circle is lined with retail shops, studios for several local radio stations, the Hilbert Circle Theatre (home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra), financial institutions, the Columbia Club (one of the oldest social clubs of Indiana), Christ Church Cathedral, and the AES Indiana corporate headquarters. Monument Circle is a prominent public gathering place in Indianapolis to commemorate notable events, including concerts, political demonstrations, and photo opportunities. The flag of Indianapolis includes a graphic representation of Monument Circle and the two streets (Meridian and Market) that intersect it. Christmas During the Christmas season the monument is decorated as an enormous Christmas tree. This annual city tradition, which became known as the "Circle of Lights", began in 1962. The tree lighting ceremony is held the day after Thanksgiving. The decoration of the monument uses 4,784 lights and 52 strands of garland put in place by volunteers from the local IBEW. More than 100,000 people attend the ceremony and the event is televised to an estimated 50,000 households. Gallery Notes References External links Soldiers and Sailors Monument website Soldiers and Sailors Monument and Indiana War Memorial website Information about the monument from IUPUI State Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument from Indianapolis, a National Park Service Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary Buildings and structures completed in 1901 Historic American Buildings Survey in Indiana Individually listed contributing properties to historic districts on the National Register in Indiana Monuments and memorials on the National Register of Historic Places in Indiana Military monuments and memorials in the United States History of Indiana Monuments and memorials in Indiana Tourist attractions in Indianapolis Fountains in Indiana Terminating vistas in the United States 1901 sculptures American Civil War museums National Register of Historic Places in Indianapolis 1901 establishments in Indiana Spanish–American War memorials in the United States