Navy Plaza in Washington, D.C., is a small area located near the Navy Memorial, which honors the men and women who have served in the United States Navy. The plaza is part of the U.S. Navy Memorial Plaza, a larger public space located on Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets NW, across from the National Archives.
The centerpiece of the plaza is the Lone Sailor statue, a well-known symbol of Navy service. The statue, created by sculptor Stanley Bleifeld, depicts a sailor in uniform standing next to a duffel bag, symbolizing those who have served at sea. Surrounding the statue are fountains, inscriptions, and etched depictions of important moments in U.S. naval history, engraved on the Granite Sea—a circular map of the world’s oceans that is part of the memorial’s design.
Navy Plaza serves as a space for reflection and commemoration, hosting events and ceremonies, especially around significant military dates such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Visitors can also explore the Naval Heritage Center, which offers exhibits and educational materials about the history and traditions of the U.S. Navy.