The Navy Memorial - From Bow to Stern

The United States Navy Memorial stands on the 8th Street vista in Washington, DC, a site envisioned by Pierre L'Enfant, planner of the capital, who marked it for a naval column midway between the Capitol and the White House to reflect the Navy's importance. Though the column was never built, the memorial now occupies that location as a place to honor sailors, marines, coasties, and mariners, past and present. Its features include the Compass Rose at the entrance, surmounted by the Department of the Navy seal and representing the Navy's true course in defending the nation; a Fountain Pool honoring the men and women of the US Navy and cooperating international navies, with water from the Seven Seas and the Great Lakes added each year; 26 bronze relief sculptures depicting naval scenes in war and peace; the original Lone Sailor Statue; the Granite Sea, a granite map centered on Washington, DC, aligned with the earth, and showing the expanse of the world's oceans; a concert stage; a Chief Petty Officer Time Capsule placed in 1993 during the Chief's centennial year; and a visitor center celebrating the heritage, history, and sea traditions of sea service people.

Washington, District of Columbia · United States