US Navy Memorial honors maritime heritage and service
WASHINGTON – The nation’s capital is home to numerous memorials and museums recognizing people who have served the country. The District has a diverse set of special places honoring a wide variety of people who have sacrificed their time and sometimes their lives for the betterment of America and the world.
One of those special places is The United States Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center. Located on Pennsylvania Avenue across the street from the National Archives, the Navy Memorial was dedicated on October 13, 1987, the 212th anniversary of the United States Navy.
The U.S. Navy Memorial represents part of the vision that architect Pierre L’Enfant had for the nation’s capital. L’Enfant, one of the primary designers of the District of Columbia, imagined a memorial in the capital that would “celebrate the first rise of the Navy and consecrate its progress and achievements.”
The Navy Memorial pays homage to past, present, and future members of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines. The Memorial has several features including: The Lone Sailor statue, a 100 ft. diameter granite map of the world, 26 (32 inch by 36 inch) bronze reliefs, a listing of navies from around the world, a nautical compass, and two fountain pools.
Two of the focal points of the Memorial are The Lone Sailor statue and the 26 bronze relief panels. Washington D.C. based art historian Leo C. Irrera designed the overall concept for the panels which depict different aspects of the Naval Services such as Naval construction battalions, Women in the Navy, Naval aviation, and Navy medicine.
Built by sculptor Stanley Bleifield, The Lone Sailor statue honors all naval personnel. The statue stands upright wearing a naval overcoat and hat with a duty bag on his left. The Lone Sailor has a prideful look as a he stares across the Granite Sea.
At the entrance of the Memorial there is a quote from President John F. Kennedy and there is another quote which reads: “The United States Navy Memorial. In honor of those who served to forge the heritage of the United States Navy. In tribute to those who perished to provide peace and security for our maritime nation. In gratitude to those now serving.”
The Naval Heritage Center, located adjacent to the Memorial is a museum with a theater, Commemorative Plaque Wall, interactive exhibits about the Navy, a gift shop, and media resource room.
The visioning process for creating the U.S. Navy Memorial took years to come into fruition. The Memorial is a testament to the importance that maritime services have had on defending the U.S. during wartimes and offering humanitarian aid & goodwill during peacetimes. The Memorial details the unique services that the Navy and all of its departments offer.
“Honor, Courage, Commitment” – Motto of the United States Navy.
One of those special places is The United States Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center. Located on Pennsylvania Avenue across the street from the National Archives, the Navy Memorial was dedicated on October 13, 1987, the 212th anniversary of the United States Navy.
The U.S. Navy Memorial represents part of the vision that architect Pierre L’Enfant had for the nation’s capital. L’Enfant, one of the primary designers of the District of Columbia, imagined a memorial in the capital that would “celebrate the first rise of the Navy and consecrate its progress and achievements.”
The Navy Memorial pays homage to past, present, and future members of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines. The Memorial has several features including: The Lone Sailor statue, a 100 ft. diameter granite map of the world, 26 (32 inch by 36 inch) bronze reliefs, a listing of navies from around the world, a nautical compass, and two fountain pools.
Two of the focal points of the Memorial are The Lone Sailor statue and the 26 bronze relief panels. Washington D.C. based art historian Leo C. Irrera designed the overall concept for the panels which depict different aspects of the Naval Services such as Naval construction battalions, Women in the Navy, Naval aviation, and Navy medicine.
Built by sculptor Stanley Bleifield, The Lone Sailor statue honors all naval personnel. The statue stands upright wearing a naval overcoat and hat with a duty bag on his left. The Lone Sailor has a prideful look as a he stares across the Granite Sea.
At the entrance of the Memorial there is a quote from President John F. Kennedy and there is another quote which reads: “The United States Navy Memorial. In honor of those who served to forge the heritage of the United States Navy. In tribute to those who perished to provide peace and security for our maritime nation. In gratitude to those now serving.”
The Naval Heritage Center, located adjacent to the Memorial is a museum with a theater, Commemorative Plaque Wall, interactive exhibits about the Navy, a gift shop, and media resource room.
The visioning process for creating the U.S. Navy Memorial took years to come into fruition. The Memorial is a testament to the importance that maritime services have had on defending the U.S. during wartimes and offering humanitarian aid & goodwill during peacetimes. The Memorial details the unique services that the Navy and all of its departments offer.
Comments
Post a Comment