The United States Navy Memorial is an open-air memorial in Washington, D.C., dedicated to the personnel who have served in the U.S. Navy. It occupies a prominent urban plaza and includes sculptures, a fountain, and interpretive exhibits.
The site is centred on a paved plaza with memorial elements and a large bronze statue called the Lone Sailor, which serves as a focal point for visitors and ceremonies. Interpretive panels and displays around the plaza explain major events and themes in U.S. naval history, and the memorial complex houses a small visitor center and exhibits.
The memorial is used for ceremonies, wreath-layings and public events, and is a common stop for tourists exploring downtown Washington, D.C. The plaza and sculptures are accessible year-round and are near other national museums and monuments.
The memorial was developed through the work of the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation and civic partners to create a public space honouring naval service. The Lone Sailor bronze is a noted work associated with the site and the memorial has hosted commemorative events and exhibitions since its opening.
The memorial sits on Pennsylvania Avenue NW in the Penn Quarter area of Washington, D.C., within a short walk of the National Mall, the National Archives and several federal buildings.
- Location: The memorial is located in the Penn Quarter neighborhood, within easy walking distance of the National Mall and several federal buildings.
What to See#
- Lone Sailor statue: The bronze statue known as the “Lone Sailor,” a widely recognised focal point for the memorial and a symbol used by the United States Navy Memorial Foundation.
- Memorial plaza and fountain: An open plaza with a central fountain and interpretive panels that honor sailors and naval history and serve as a public gathering space in downtown Washington, D.C.
