The Memorial That Happens To Be A Stadium
15 April 2005
Dr. Dave Winkler

The football stadium at the U.S. Naval Academy has long been known as "the memorial that happens to be a stadium." While it has always stood for the service and sacrifice by the Navy-Marine Corps team, recent renovations and upgrades provided a unique opportunity to tell a more detailed story of that impressive history. A series of memorial arches formed an important part of this upgrade, and the Naval Historical Foundation, with assistance from the Naval Historical Center and Marine Corps Historical Center, was called on by the Naval Academy Alumni Association to produce the historic texts for the arches. When the project is complete, twenty pairs of panels will feature a chronological summary of naval operations and engagements, as well as selected battle descriptions with illustrations. Most of the large and colorful bronze panels were installed by the end of the Academy's 2004 football season, and the remainder are expected to be completed before the start of the 2005 season, with a dedication ceremony for the project to be held at the 2005 contest against the U.S. Air Force Academy. The Naval Historical Foundation is honored to have played a part in recognizing the honor, courage and commitment of Sailors and Marines through our 229 year history.