Dedicated in 1972 this is the Seabees Memorial. It honors the Naval Construction Battalions members. They are also known as Seabees. These men showed a “Can Do” attitude during war and peace.
The Seabees were vital since World War II. They built bases and paved roads. They even constructed airstrips. These supported the military in both war and peace.
The Seabees Memorial stands along Memorial Avenue. It marks the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. Architect Anthony Harrar and sculptor Felix de Weldon designed it. De Weldon was a Seabee in World War II. He also sculpted the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. It is located nearby.
The Seabees Memorial features large panels. These show Seabees’ missions worldwide since 1942. A large sculpture is at the back. It shows a bare-chested Seabee with a rifle. He offers a hand to a child. The panels and figures represent the Seabees nature. They are builders who fight. They also provide aid to those in need.
The Seabees Memorial inscription includes their motto. It says “Can Do”. It also states “With willing hearts and skillful hands, the difficult we do at once, the impossible takes a bit longer.” The Seabees Memorial also lists deployment sites. These include locations like Alaska and Antarctica. They also include Vietnam.
In 1970, the Seabee Memorial Association formed. It sponsored the Seabees Memorial construction in Washington, D.C.. The original design showed a Seabee stepping off a bulldozer. Children would greet him. The theme was “Building for Peace”. Felix de Weldon designed the memorial. He also sculpted the Iwo Jima Memorial.
The Seabees Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1974. Officers, sailors, and supporters attended. The monument cost 301000 dollars. In 1979, the association became the Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association.
Since 1972, the SMSA has provided scholarships. They support children and grandchildren of Seabees. The Navy Seabee Foundation now manages it.
The Seabees Memorial stands as a tribute. It honors those who serve with skill and compassion. Take a moment to appreciate their dedication. The Seabees Memorial symbolizes their commitment to building a better world. Their legacy lives on.