The Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center in Washington DC honors and commemorates the sailors of the United States Navy. The memorial serves not only as an outdoor public plaza but also as a gateway to learn about the history and heritage of the men and women of the sea services.
Navy Memorial
The circular outdoor plaza, located in the heart of Washington, DC, features a “Granite Sea” map of the world. This impressive design is enhanced by fountains, pools, and flagpole masts, along with sculpted panels that celebrate historic achievements of the United States Navy. Moreover, a statue of the Lone Sailor symbolizes all individuals who have ever served in the sea services, making it a poignant reminder of their sacrifices.
Naval Heritage Center
Adjacent to the memorial, the Naval Heritage Center showcases interactive naval exhibits and features a movie theater that hosts daily screenings of the award-winning film At Sea, along with the Discovery Channel’s A Day In the Life of the Blue Angels. Additionally, the Commemorative Plaque Wall stands as a permanent tribute to individuals, groups, ships, squadrons, commands, battles, and significant events within the U.S. Sea Services. Also available is a Media Resource Center, providing access to a library of historical documents related to the Navy. The Navy Log room offers a computerized registry to search for Sea Service members and veterans, while the Ship’s Store sells a variety of nautical souvenirs and clothing.
Blessing of the Fleets
Every April, following the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, the Navy Memorial honors our nation’s rich naval heritage through its annual Blessing of the Fleets. During this ceremonial event, sailors from the U.S. Navy’s Ceremonial Guard traverse the outdoor plaza’s “Granite Sea” to pour water from the Seven Seas and Great Lakes into the surrounding fountains, symbolically “charging” them to life and marking the arrival of spring. The event is free and warmly welcomes the public, further fostering community engagement.
Event Space
The Naval Heritage Center is available for rent, making it an ideal venue for special events. The Gallery Deck serves as the main space, providing a full view of the exhibition area and accommodating up to 115 guests for a seated dinner or 225 for a reception. The President Room is perfect for meetings or intimate dinners, hosting up to 50 seated guests or 75 standing. Furthermore, the Gallery Deck and President Room can be combined to accommodate as many as 420 guests for a reception. The state-of-the-art Burke Theater seats up to 242 guests and features a large screen, high definition projector, 7.1 digital surround sound, as well as integrated teleconferencing and audio/video recording capabilities.
