A memorial service to honor former United States Senator Birch Bayh will take place at noon May 1 at the Indiana Statehouse. Bayh, who represented the Hoosier state in Washington from 1963-1981 after becoming the youngest-ever Indiana House speaker in 1954, died last month at age 91.

Numerous dignitaries have scheduled pay tribute to Bayh’s memory and accomplishments, including Gov. Eric Holcomb, Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma, former congressmen Lee Hamilton and Baron Hill, and Chief Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson of the Southern Indiana District Court. The event is hosted by the Indiana Democratic Party.

Bayh also will be eulogized by his sons — former Indiana Governor and Senator Evan Bayh, and Christopher Bayh, a partner at Barnes & Thornburg in Indianapolis. Former Indiana first lady Susan Bayh will attend, as will their sons Beau and Nick. Birch Bayh’s widow, Katherine “Kitty” Bayh, will read a poem written by the Senator.

Birch Bayh leaves a lasting legacy in the Indiana legal and political communities. He is the only person who is not a founding father who ushered in two constitutional amendments. The federal courthouse in Indianapolis is named in his honor.

The memorial will take place in the south atrium of the Statehouse and is open to the public.