Cleveland’s Lone Sailor Statue Unveiled at New Lone Sailor Plaza
The ceremony welcomed the iconic statue and outlined plans for the USS Cleveland Naval ship’s commissioning next year.
CLEVELAND – Cleveland’s Lone Sailor statue was officially unveiled at its new home at The Lone Sailor Plaza along the waterfront in Voinovich Bicentennial Park during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, October 12.
“Today was about more than just unveiling the Lone Sailor statue’s new permanent home along the Cleveland waterfront,” said Brigadier General Peter B, Collins, USMC (Ret.), and Chief Executive Officer of the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation (USSCLF). “Under the shadow of Cleveland’s Lone Sailor, future generations will be inspired to enter the armed services. This new plaza is another important step in the Foundation’s work to build positive civil-military relations and continue building excitement for the commissioning of the USS Cleveland, LCS 31 in 2025.”
The Lone Sailor statue, an iconic symbol of the Navy Memorial’s mission to honor, recognize, and celebrate the men and women of the Sea Services—past, present, and future; and to Inform the public about their service was unveiled to an active crowd of US military and community supporters, Sea Cadets, and volunteers. The Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument Commission is sincerely appreciated for the generous donation of stone repurposed from the Monument’s Court of Honor during the redevelopment of Public Square.
The event featured Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, who provided the color guard and welcomed Vice Admiral John Nowell, Jr., USN (Ret.), President and CEO of the U.S. Navy Memorial and Representatives from Headquarters, Ninth Coast Guard District. The Warrensville Heights High School band and Shaw High School Marching Band also performed; and will be playing in the 2024 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in December.
The day’s celebrations highlighted the project’s many generous donors, the USS Cleveland’s ship sponsor Robyn Modly, and future plans of the USS Cleveland, LCS 31, the first US Navy ship named Cleveland to visit Cleveland and the first Navy ship to be commissioned in the city. This momentous event marks a new era, setting “The Cleveland Standard” for future commissioning organizations to follow.
With the Lone Sailor statue in place and the plaza open to the public, the USSCLF is now focusing efforts on the commissioning of the USS Cleveland, LCS 31 in the late summer or early fall 2025. The weeklong celebration in City of Cleveland is expected to draw over 20,000 individuals and showcase the city’s vibrant culture, reinforcing Cleveland’s standing as a city looking forward to the future with anticipation and determination.
“We love being able to connect the ship, which is named for our city, to all neighborhoods, people and age groups. Clevelanders love all things Cleveland. A ship bearing our name will travel the globe, representing our city – we want the folks around Cleveland to know how special that is,” said Courtney Smrdel, Director of Operations USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation.
Following the commissioning, the USSCLF will continue to provide support for the ship’s crew and families and offer career assistance after their active service is complete. When the ship is decommissioned at the end of her Naval service, the intent is to return the ship to Cleveland as a museum.
About the Lone Sailor Statue and USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation
The Lone Sailor statue, one of only 19 in the world, represents the sea services (Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, & Merchant Marine). The statue will be a great addition to the Lakefront, setting the standard for other locations to follow. The statue’s unveiling marks a significant step in the Foundation’s long-term, strategic approach to supporting positive civil-military relations by creating and maintaining a strong, meaningful bond between the citizens of Northeast Ohio and the crew of the USS Cleveland.
The USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation has committed to a multi-decade strategic approach, ensuring the USS Cleveland is sent to the fleet with the greatest start possible, supporting the ship and crew throughout her service life, and welcoming her home to Cleveland at the completion of her Naval service.
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