"Did You Know?" : A SEABEE Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery?

Did you know the world famous USMC Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery was sculped by a former SEABEE, Felix de Weldon, who also sculpted the SEABEE Memorial at Arlington? In the Photos and Insignia Gallery are photos of a brochure recently produced by the members of Island X-5, Fort Lauderdale, Fl. and distibuted as a public service by the members and friends of the Navy Seabee Veterans of America, Inc. to highlight the existence of the less familiar work by Mr. de Weldon. The SEABEE Memorial has a number of large panels depicting the many missions that SEABEES have undertaken around the world, in war and peace since 1942. At the focal point of the back panels is a large sculpture depicting a bare-chested, muscular SEABEE, rifle slung over one shoulder, offering a helping hand to a small child. The panels and sculptured figures together perfectly symbolize the nature of U. S. Navy SEABEES as Builders who Fight, and who also extend humanitarian aid wherever and whenever needed.

Inscriptions in golden letters proudly proclaim in words the messages which the panels and figures convey visually. They are: "SEABEES CAN DO " above the panels, and "With willing hearts and skillful hands, the difficult we do at once.The impossible takes a bit longer! ", below the panels. On the base which supports the SEABEE and child sculpture is inscribed: "With compassion for others, we build, we fight for peace with freedom."

All of that is true about the United States Navy SEABEES, and a great deal more! Some of the highlights of SEABEE history up to recent combat missions in Afganistan before the writing of a new chapter of SEABEE history in Iraq, are well documented by the brochure. Individuals or organizations wishing copies of this brochure to distribute contact:

Mr. Henry W. Harbinson, Sr.
National Publicity Chairman
Navy Seabee Veterans of America, Inc.
E-mail: seabeeharbi@aol.com

or

The Navy Seabee Veterans of America, Inc.
1-800-seabee5

and

http://www.nsva.org/

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