Navy SEAL Memorial

The only memorial dedicated exclusively to the Navy SEALs, the Navy SEAL Memorial located in Ft. Pierce, Florida honors those Navy SEALs who have died in the line of duty.  The centerpiece of the Memorial is a bronze sculpture of a modern Navy SEAL combat swimmer created by sculptor Roy Shifren.  The names of all Underwater Demolition Team members, the “Frogmen” of World War II and modern Navy SEALs who have died in the service of the country are carved into black, granite panels on the walls surrounding the sculpture and its reflecting pool.

The inspiration for the Memorial hit Former SEAL David Godshall in 2005.  During his eight years of service on the SEAL teams, Mr. Godshall served in Beirut and witnessed first-hand the staggering loss of life at the bombing of the Marine barracks in 1983.  The increased operational tempo resulting from the Global War on Terror was having an impact on the Special Operations community.  After hearing about the loss of another team mate, he sat down at his computer and began doing some research.  He said, “We were losing SEALs at a rapid rate in Afghanistan.  I wondered how all those men, and all the other Frogmen and SEALs were being memorialized after their funerals. I found out that nowhere in the world is there a Memorial honoring their sacrifice. Now there is, right here in Fort Pierce where the tradition began.”  The financing and construction of such a Memorial became Mr. Godshall’s personal mission and fund raising continues today.

The Navy SEAL Museum in Ft. Pierce stands on the beaches where the original Frogmen of World War II trained before hitting the beaches of Africa and Normandy.  Placing the Memorial on the very sands where Naval Special Warfare began made sense.  Mr. Godshall worked with Captain Michael Howard, a retired SEAL and the Museum’s former Executive Director to select an appropriate site. While on a diving vacation, Mr. Godshall and his son Alex sketched out the overall Memorial design.  He worked closely with Captain Howard to make sure every detail was correct at every step of construction.

Click HERE to learn more about the Navy SEAL Memorial.

The Navy SEAL Memorial – Click Here to view the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  We will never forget.

Please consider making a donation to the Navy SEAL Memorial.  Your generous gifts help maintain the memorial, ensuring it remains a beautiful, quiet place of dignity.  Click HERE to make a donation.

Photo and information courtesy of the Navy SEAL Museum.