by Jackie Tammaro
November 6, 2026
Categories: Press Releases,
Permanent tribute honors generations of Marines who trained and served at the Navy Yard and supports efforts to carry their legacy forward
Philadelphia, PA – November 6, 2026 – Friends of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Marines community partners gathered today at the Philadelphia Navy Yard to unveil “The Marine Corps Monument: Semper Fidelis,” a permanent tribute to the generations of U.S. Marines who trained and served on the historic grounds.
Located on the Marine Parade Grounds between Buildings 100 and 101, the monument stands facing the same fields where generations of Marines trained before departing Philadelphia to serve around the world. The dedication brought together veterans, elected officials, community leaders, project partners, and scholarship recipients to recognize the Marines’ service and preserve their connection to the Navy Yard for future generations.
The monument is the result of an effort led by Friends of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Marines, in partnership with PIDC, the Four Chaplains Foundation, IBEW Local 98, the City of Philadelphia, and community supporters.
For Dan Harrell, a Marine Corps Reserve veteran who enlisted at the Navy Yard in 1964 and co-founded Friends of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Marines, the monument grew out of personal commitment to ensure the Marines’ presence at the Navy Yard would not be forgotten. During a family visit in 2018, Harrell’s late wife, Regina, observed that people who had not served in the Marines might never know the Corps had been part of the Navy Yard’s history. Her words inspired Harrell to help establish the organization and pursue a permanent tribute.
“This monument is about making sure the Marines who trained and served at the Navy Yard are never forgotten,” said Harrell. “For me, that journey began with my wife Regina, who reminded me that unless you were a Marine, you might never know they were here. To see this monument completed, in the place where I enlisted and where so many Marines trained before serving around the world, is deeply meaningful. I hope that when people visit, they take a moment to learn about the Marines’ history here and understand that their legacy remains an important part of the Navy Yard and Philadelphia.”
Designed by Andrew Chernak of Andrew Chernak Sculptures, the monument features the words “Semper Fidelis,” meaning “Always Faithful,” on all four sides. Its four relief panels tell stories from Marine Corps history at the Navy Yard, including the history of Building 100, the receiving ship Richmond, the early development of Marine aviation, and Marines who departed for France in 1918 to fight at the Battle of Belleau Wood.
For PIDC, the master developer and operator of the Navy Yard, the monument preserves an important part of the campus’s history as the site continues to evolve.
“The Navy Yard has a long and meaningful history of service, and the Marines are an important part of that story,” said Kate McNamara, Executive Vice President of the Navy Yard, PIDC. “As the Navy Yard continues to grow and welcomes new businesses, residents, and visitors, it is important that we preserve the history that came before. This monument creates a lasting place to recognize the generations of Marines who trained on these grounds and to help ensure their contributions remain visible and understood by the people who experience the Navy Yard today and in the years ahead.”
The monument also reflects the work of the skilled trades and community partners who helped bring the project to completion. IBEW Local 98 was among the partners supporting the effort to establish a lasting tribute on the historic grounds.
“Projects like this are a reminder that the work we can do leaves a lasting mark on our communities,” said Mark Lynch Jr., Business Manager at IBEW Local 98. “There is a special meaning in helping build a monument that honors the Marines who trained and served right here at the Navy Yard. We’re proud to have played a part in bringing this vision to life alongside the Friends of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Marines and our project partners. We hope this monument stands for generations as a place where people can recognize the Marines’ service and understand the importance of the history surrounding them.”
The dedication also recognized the Friends of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Marines’ scholarship program, which supports students and carries forward the values of service, patriotism, and community engagement associated with the Marine Corps. Scholarship recipients attended the ceremony, connecting the monument’s tribute to the Marines of the past with opportunities for future generations.
Following the dedication, attendees continued the celebration at a Beef and Brew hosted at the Second Street Irish Society, featuring a traditional Marine Corps birthday cake-cutting ceremony ahead of the Corps’ 251st birthday on November 10.
The completed monument now stands as a permanent reminder of the Marines who trained and served at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, preserving their stories in the place where they began a chapter of their service.
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About Friends of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Marines
The Friends of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Marines are dedicated to honoring the legacy of the U.S. Marines who trained and served at the Philadelphia Naval Base. The organization raises funds for The Marine Corps Monument: “Semper Fidelis” and provides scholarships to students, fostering patriotism and community engagement while ensuring the contributions of these Marines are remembered for generations to come.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jacqueline Tammaro
Navy Yard Director of Marketing & Communications, PIDC
jtammaro@pidcphila.com