Navy SEAL Monument, Virginia Beach

Unveiled in the summer of 2017, the Navy SEAL Monument on the Virginia Beach boardwalk honors the remarkable history and contributions of the SEALs. Central to this monument is the six-foot-tall statue of the Naked Warrior, a life-sized depiction of a World War II Underwater Demolition Team swimmer. Unlike many statues on the boardwalk that are larger than life, this statue deliberately reflects the true size of the SEALs, emphasizing that their reputation was built not by supermen, but by ordinary individuals performing extraordinary feats in service of their country.

The monument also highlights Virginia Beach’s significant 76-year-long connection to the SEAL program. The sand surrounding the Naked Warrior statue comes from over 100 locations worldwide where SEALs and their predecessors have served, trained, and fought. This inclusion of sand from these diverse places symbolizes the global reach and enduring legacy of the SEALs, paying tribute to their sacrifices and the vital role they have played in international conflicts and missions. The Navy SEAL Monument stands as a powerful homage to the bravery and dedication of these exceptional warriors.