by Navy Yard
September 9, 2026
Categories: Press Releases,
New monument will honor generations of Marines who trained and served at the historic Navy Yard and support scholarships for Philadelphia students
Philadelphia, PA — September 9, 2026 — Friends of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Marines broke ground today on The Marine Corps Monument: “Semper Fidelis,” a permanent tribute honoring the U.S. Marines who trained and served at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The monument will stand between Buildings 100 and 101 on the historic Marine Parade Grounds, facing the same fields where generations of Marines trained before departing the Navy Yard to serve around the world.
The project is a collaboration with Friends of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Marines, PIDC, the Chapel of Four Chaplains, IBEW Local 98, the City of Philadelphia, and other community partners. The monument will be officially unveiled on Sunday, November 8, at 1 p.m.
For Dan Harrell, who served in the Marine Corps Reserve and enlisted at the Navy Yard in 1964, the idea for the monument grew from his own connection to the Navy Yard and one observation from his late wife, Regina.
During a 2018 family visit to the Navy Yard, Harrell shared memories of the base with Regina, their daughter and granddaughters, including where he enlisted and where Regina’s father had worked. As they prepared to leave, Regina turned to him and said, “Dan, unless you were in the Marines, nobody would know they were ever here.”
The words stayed with Harrell. He began working with fellow supporters to establish Friends of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Marines and create a permanent tribute honoring the Marines’ legacy at the Navy Yard.
“This monument is about making sure the Marines who trained and served at the Navy Yard are never forgotten,” said Dan Harrell, Veteran and Co-Founder of Friends of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Marines. “For me, this journey began with my wife Regina, who reminded me that unless you were a Marine, you might never know they were here. Seeing this monument finally take shape, in the place where I enlisted and where so many Marines trained before serving around the world, is something I know she would be proud of.”
“The Navy Yard carries generations of stories about the people who served our country, and the Marines are an important part of that history,” said Council President Kenyatta Johnson (Second District). “This monument is a meaningful way to make that legacy visible and ensure it remains part of the Navy Yard as it continues to grow. I’m proud to support the Friends of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Marines and the many partners who came together to make this project a reality.”
Designed by Andrew Chernak of Andrew Chernak Sculptures, the monument will feature the words “Semper Fidelis,” meaning “Always Faithful,” on all four sides. The design is intended to serve as both a permanent tribute to the Marines who trained and served at the Navy Yard and a place for future generations to learn about their legacy.
“The Navy Yard is a place where history continues to shape the future, and the Marine Corps Monument will ensure that an important part of that history remains visible for generations to come,” said Kate McNamara, Executive Vice President of the Navy Yard, PIDC. “We are proud to be part of this partnership and to help create a lasting place to honor the Marines who passed through these historic grounds on their way to serve our country.”
The project also looks to the future through the scholarship program established by Friends of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Marines. The organization provides scholarships to students as a way to carry forward the values of service, patriotism, and community engagement represented by the Marines.
“Remembering those who served is about more than looking back; it is about making sure their example continues to inspire the people who come after them,” said Bill Kaemmer, Director of the Chapel of Four Chaplains. “This monument creates a permanent place at the Navy Yard to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and service of Marines, while helping carry those values forward.”
“There is something especially meaningful about helping build a monument that honors people who dedicated their lives to serving our country,” said Mark Lynch, Jr., Business Manager at IBEW Local 98. “We are proud to play a part in bringing this vision to life and creating a lasting tribute that will stand on these grounds for generations to come.”
Today’s groundbreaking marks a major milestone for a project years in the making. Friends of the Philadelphia Navy Yard Marines and its partners will return to the Navy Yard on November 8 to unveil the completed monument and honor the Marines whose service helped shape the history of the Yard.
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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 a spirit of patriotism and community engagement while ensuring the contributions of these Marines are remembered for generations to come.
MEDIA CONTACT
The Navy Yard:
Jacqueline Tammaro
Director of Marketing & Communications of the Navy Yard, PIDC
jtammaro@pidcphila.com