Navy Yard Unveils Marine Corps Monument

A permanent monument honoring Marines who trained at the Philadelphia Navy Yard was unveiled on Friday, November 6.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Military Jobs

A low bronze-toned monument stands on an open paved parade ground before a long red-brick industrial building under overcast skies. — The Navy Yard unveiled a permanent Marine Corps monument on the Marine Parade Grounds on Friday, November 6, honoring Marines who trained in Philadelphia. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Marine Corps Monument: Semper Fidelis now stands on the Marine Parade Grounds between Buildings 100 and 101 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The monument was designed by sculptor Andrew Chernak and was led by Friends of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Marines.

Why it matters

The monument recognizes a part of Marine Corps history tied to Philadelphia that visitors had often overlooked. It was prompted by a 2018 family visit that led Dan Harrell, a Marine Corps Reserve veteran, to pursue a permanent memorial.

The monument features the motto 'Semper Fidelis' on all four sides and four relief panels depicting Navy Yard Marine Corps history. One panel commemorates Marines who departed for France in 1918 for the Battle of Belleau Wood.

The players

Friends of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Marines

A group that led the monument project and works with local partners to preserve the Navy Yard's Marine Corps heritage.

PIDC

The master developer and operator of the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Andrew Chernak

The sculptor who designed the Marine Corps Monument: Semper Fidelis.

The details

Four relief panels depict episodes of the Navy Yard's Marine Corps history, including Building 100, the receiving ship Richmond, and early Marine aviation. The project was led by Friends of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Marines working with PIDC, the Four Chaplains Foundation, IBEW Local 98, the City of Philadelphia, and community supporters.

2018: Regina Harrell's observation during a family visit prompted pursuit of a permanent memorial.
November 6, 2026: Monument unveiled at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
November 10, 2026: Marine Corps 251st birthday.

Historical Context

The monument commemorates Marines who departed Philadelphia for France in 1918 for the Battle of Belleau Wood, linking the Navy Yard's wartime role to a permanent public record. It turns a largely overlooked chapter of Marine Corps history into a lasting landmark in the city.

The monument gives Philadelphia residents and visitors a permanent site on the Navy Yard grounds to learn about Marine Corps history. Visitors can view the monument's relief panels in person at the Marine Parade Grounds.

The takeaway

Local history often survives in places people pass every day, and a monument can make that history visible. Visiting such sites in person is a simple way to connect with the stories behind them.