United States Navy Memorial

United States Navy Memorial. The memorial is a tribute to the United States Navy and its personnel, honoring their service and sacrifice. It was dedicated on October 13, 1987, by President Ronald Reagan, Chief of Naval Operations Carlisle A.H. Trost, and other dignitaries, including Senator John Warner and Representative Olympia Snowe. The memorial is located in Washington, D.C., near the National Archives Building and the National Museum of the American Indian, and is managed by the Naval District Washington.

● History

The idea for a United States Navy memorial was first proposed in the 1970s by Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, who served as the Chief of Naval Operations from 1970 to 1974. The United States Congress authorized the construction of the memorial in 1980, and it was designed by Constance Buchanan and Charles F. Murphy. The memorial was built on a site that was previously occupied by a Bureau of Engraving and Printing building, which was demolished in 1984. The construction of the memorial was overseen by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, with input from the National Park Service and the Commission of Fine Arts. The memorial was dedicated on October 13, 1987, in a ceremony attended by President Ronald Reagan, Vice President George H.W. Bush, and other dignitaries, including Senator Barry Goldwater and Representative Norman Dicks.

● Design and Construction

The memorial was designed by Constance Buchanan and Charles F. Murphy, who also designed the National World War II Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. The memorial features a large granite and bronze statue of three sailors, as well as a fountain and a plaza. The statue was sculpted by Stanley Bleifeld, who also created the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The memorial's design was influenced by the United States Navy's rich history, including the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and World War II. The construction of the memorial was managed by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, with input from the National Park Service and the Commission of Fine Arts, and was built by the Bechtel Group.

● Features and Exhibits

The memorial features a large granite and bronze statue of three sailors, as well as a fountain and a plaza. The statue is surrounded by a pool of water, which is lined with granite and features a fountain that shoots water 30 feet into the air. The memorial also features a wall of honor, which lists the names of Medal of Honor recipients, including John F. Kennedy, Theodore Roosevelt, and Doris Miller. The memorial's plaza is made of granite and features a map of the world, which highlights the United States Navy's global presence. The memorial is also home to the Naval Heritage Center, which features exhibits on the United States Navy's history, including the American Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and the Cold War.

● Location and Accessibility

The memorial is located in Washington, D.C., near the National Archives Building and the National Museum of the American Indian. It is situated on Pennsylvania Avenue and 7th Street Northwest, Washington, D.C., and is easily accessible by Metrorail or bus. The memorial is also within walking distance of the White House, the United States Capitol, and the Smithsonian Institution. The memorial is managed by the Naval District Washington, and is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The memorial is also accessible to visitors with disabilities, and features ramps and elevators to facilitate access.

● Significance and Impact

The memorial is a significant tribute to the United States Navy and its personnel, honoring their service and sacrifice. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world, including France, United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia. The memorial has also been the site of numerous ceremonies and events, including the Naval Academy's graduation ceremony, which is attended by dignitaries such as the President of the United States, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Chief of Naval Operations. The memorial has been recognized for its significance by the American Institute of Architects, the National Park Service, and the Commission of Fine Arts, and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark by the United States Secretary of the Interior. The memorial is also an important part of the National Mall, which includes other famous landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.