Seabee Memorial, Arlington

The National Seabee Memorial honors members of the United States Navy’s Construction Battalions, known as the Seabees, and others associated with the Naval Construction Force. Established during the Second World War in 1942, the Seabees combined construction skills with military training to build airfields, roads, bridges, bases, hospitals, ports, and other infrastructure in war zones and during humanitarian missions.

The memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day, May 27, 1974, following fundraising by the Seabee Memorial Association. Designed by architect Anthony Harrar and former Seabee and sculptor Felix de Weldon, who also created the Marine Corps War Memorial, the monument combines sculpture and relief panels. Its central bronze figure depicts a muscular, bare-chested Seabee with a rifle over his shoulder extending a helping hand to a child. Behind him, a semicircular arrangement of large bronze reliefs illustrates construction, military support, and humanitarian missions performed by Seabees worldwide since 1942. Inscriptions include “SEABEES CAN DO” and phrases emphasizing their construction skills, service, and commitment to peace. The memorial represents both the military and humanitarian aspects of Seabee service. Its imagery reflects construction under difficult conditions, support for military operations, and assistance to civilian communities affected by conflict or disaster.

The Seabees’ motto, Construimus, Batuimus, means “We Build, We Fight,” while “Can Do” expresses their tradition of solving difficult engineering challenges. Ceremonies honoring Seabee service and achievements continue to be held at the monument on selected commemorative dates.