WASHINGTON DC, United States — The Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial, dedicated to sailors and merchant mariners lost at sea during wartime, stands on Columbia Island on the Potomac in Lady Bird Johnson Park.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial, located in Lady Bird Johnson Park on Columbia Island in Washington, DC, stands as a poignant tribute to the sailors of the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine who perished at sea. This distinctive monument, set against the backdrop of the Potomac River, offers visitors a compelling blend of artistic beauty and historical significance. Dedicated in 1934, the memorial was designed by sculptor Ernesto Begni del Piatta to honor those lost at sea during World War I, though it has come to symbolize the sacrifice of all maritime personnel who have died in service to their country. The sculpture stands approximately 35 feet tall and 30 feet wide, making it a prominent feature of the riverside landscape. The memorial's design is both dynamic and symbolic, featuring seven seagulls ascending from the crest of a wave. This composition represents the perilous nature of seafaring and the transcendent spirit of those who brave the ocean's dangers. The gulls, with their wings outstretched in flight, seem to emerge from the stylized wave, creating a sense of movement and aspiration that contrasts with the solidity of the bronze material. The wave itself, rendered in an Art Deco style popular in the 1930s, symbolizes the dual nature of the sea – both as a source of livelihood and as a potential grave for maritime workers and servicemen. The stylized curves and lines of the wave demonstrate the sculptor's skill in capturing the essence of water's movement in static form. The memorial's bronze construction has developed a distinctive patina over the years, which can range from deep brown to verdigris depending on weather conditions and maintenance. This natural aging process adds character to the sculpture, emphasizing its endurance much like the lasting memory of those it commemorates. Situated along the Potomac River, the memorial's location adds to its significance. The river provides a fitting backdrop, con
Size: 8164px × 5443px
Location: Ladby Bird Johnson Park, Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | DCinBNW / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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