Seabees ~ Can Do
With compassion for others
We build ~ We fight
For peace with freedom
(On the frieze behind the statue):
With willing hearts and skillful hands, the difficult we do at once; the impossible takes a bit longer
(On the panel to the left of the statue):
In Memoriam
Dedicated to the men of the United States Naval Construction Batallions
The Seabees
Born in the early days of World War II when the nation was in dire peril, their mission was to build bases for the combat forces, to defend those bases and to provide support of whatever kind required.
Organized and commanded by officers of the Civil Engineer Corps of the Navy, recruited largely from building trades of organized labor, butressed by the construction industry, the Seabees quickly proved their total competence.
High morale, expert skills, versatile ingenuity, strong devotion to duty and deep sympathy for the needy are the hallmarks of their record. Their motto "Can Do" symbolizes their tradition and their achievements.
Generations of Seabees have added to the laurels of their forbears. In war and in peace they have maintained their high repute as builders, fighters and humanitarians.
(On the panel to the right of the statue):
Eternal Father, strong to save
whose arm hath bound the restless wave
who biddest the mighty ocean deep
its own appointed limits keep
O hear us when we cry to Thee
for those in peril on the sea.
Lord, stand beside the men who build
and give them courage, strength and skill
O grant them peace of heart and mind
and comfort loved ones left behind
Lord, hear our prayer for all Seabees
where ere they be on land or sea.
Marker is on Memorial Drive near Jefferson Davis Highway.
Courtesy hmdb.org
