The Navy Memorial - from Bow to Stern

George Washington declared that without a decisive naval force nothing definitive could be done, and with it everything honorable and glorious. The United States Navy Memorial traces its roots to the planning of the nation’s capital, when Major Peter C. L’Enfant chose the notable 8th Street vista between the Capitol and the White House as the site for a Naval Itinerary Column, signaling the Navy’s importance. Although that column was never built, the memorial now stands on that vista as a place to honor those who forged the Navy’s heritage, pay tribute to the fallen, and express gratitude to sailors in service. Its most enduring element is The Lone Sailor, a bronze sculpture of a seasoned seagoing veteran depicted as an individual no more than 25 years old who willingly serves his country while longing to return home to family and friends. The sculpture contains metal from eight historic U.S. Navy ships—USS Constitution, USS Constellation, USS Hartford, USS Maine, USS Ranger, USS Biloxi, USS Hancock, and USS Seawolf—and from the modern Navy’s National Defense Service Medal. Around the memorial, the Compass Rose marks the entrance and is surmounted by the Department of the Navy seal; the Fountain Pool honors the men and women of the U.S. Navy and international navies that cooperate with it, and each pool is salted annually with waters from the Seven Seas and the Great Lakes; 26 bronze reliefs depict naval scenes in war and peace; the Granite Sea is a granite map centered on Washington, D.C., aligned with the earth, and reminding visitors of the world’s oceans; the Concert Stage hosts military band performances; the 8th Street vista remains a defining feature; and the Naval Heritage Center celebrates sea service people and their time-honored traditions. Flags represented there include the United States Ensign, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Merchant Marine, Prisoners of War/Missing in Action, Chief of Naval Operations, and First Navy Jack.

Washington, District of Columbia · United States