Tuesday, August 26, 2008

For Those in Peril on the Sea

The Navy and Merchant Marine Memorial on the banks of the Potomac River

This beautiful memorial, located in Lady Bird Johnson Park off of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, is dedicated to the men of the Navy and Merchant Marine who perished at sea during World War I. Called the Navy-Marine Memorial, it features seven seagulls--symbolizing the seven seas--in flight over cresting waves.

The monument was designed by Harvey Corbett in 1922 and sculpted by Ernesto del Piatta. It was dedicated in 1934. Originally, the "Waves and Gulls", as it is nicknamed, rested on a concrete slab. The slab was replaced with granite in 1940. An inscription on the memorial reads, "To the strong souls and ready valor of those men of the United States who, in the Navy, Merchant Marine, and other paths of activity upon the waters of the world, have given life or still offer it in the performance of heroic deeds this monument is dedicated by a grateful people."

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential

6 comments:

Virginia said...

Another lovely one I have missed on my visits. Thanks for showing us.

Unknown said...

Fantastic perspective!!!

Janet Kincaid said...

VJ: It's easy to zoom right past this one and miss it. The parking lot for this memorial only accommodates about six cars, is a sharp, immediate turn off, and is currently closed due to bridge construction nearby. It's not surprising people miss this one!


JM: Thanks! I was trying for anything other than just straight on.

marley said...

What a cool sculpture. I love the seagulls, they really look like they are flying.

Maya said...

I like the birds against the blue sky. Nice job capturing that!

Janet Kincaid said...

Marley: Pretty neat, isn't it? They just don't make sculptures like this anymore and it's a shame.


Maya: Thanks! I want to go back at sunset and photograph this one again.