Commemorating the US Navy's Amphibious Training Base Solomons, Maryland

SOLOMONS ATB MEMORIAL, "ON WATCH"
Background | Memorial Plaza | The Artist

The Solomons World War II Monument, “On Watch.” is an eight-foot tall bronze statue commemorating the people and work done at Amphibious Training Base, Solomons during World War II. This, the nation’s first amphibious training facility, was active for four years, from 1942-1945, and its effect on the area continues to be felt today. Over 68,000 servicemen trained there, and many of the local population worked there. The men who trained there formed the major components of the amphibious forces that served in both the European and Pacific Theaters of War - at places such as North Africa, Guadalcanal, Luzon, Sicily, Bouganville, Anzio, Iwo Jima, and Normandy. They served their country in some of the fiercest and most famous of America’s campaigns of World War II. “On Watch” is specifically targeted at two populations: the local community and its desire to preserve and promote the history of the area, and the greater veteran’s community – all of the men and women whose lives were touched by Amphibious Training Base, Solomons.

As the war years retreat further into the past, and the people who experienced them leave us in increasingly large numbers, preserving the memory of those years becomes ever more urgent. Amphibious Training Base (ATB), Solomons played a major role in preparing the United States for its role in the war, and should not be forgotten. The majority of World War II celebrations focus on the European Theater, but ATB Solomons sent just as many people east as it did west. Therefore, “On Watch” will serve as a tribute to both theaters and all of the amphibious units and their work throughout the war, and will keep the memory of this piece of local history alive. Amphibious operations are still an important part of the armed forces, and it all began here in Solomons – “the cradle of invasion.”

Maryland artist & sculptor Antonio Tobias Mendez (creator of Annmarie Garden’s “Oyster Tonger”) has been commissioned to create the statue.

The total cost of the project is $135,000. Funds in excess of $45,000 have been raised through in-kind contributions, the World War II Veterans’ community, the local community, and a number of civic organizations. The state of Maryland has authorized a bond bill in the amount of $50,000. Fund raising continues in order to raise the additional $40,000 needed to make this memorial a reality.

Amphibious operations are still an important part of the armed forces, and it all began here in Solomons - the cradle of invasion. (The Vice Chief of Naval Operations gave Solomons the name "cradle of invasion" in 1942.)

The monument is of a sailor, looking out to sea. It will face the water, where it will be most visible. Matt Gambrill, owner of Calvert Marina (the current occupant of the Dowell Peninsula) has graciously donated the land. Site work for the statue will be donated by Marrick Properties.

For additional information, or to make a contribution, contact Sherrod Sturrock at 410-326-2042 ext. 32

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Memorial Plaza

VETERAN’S PLAZA MEMORIAL BRICK
APPLICATION INFORMATION

The Veteran’s Plaza, located at the WWII Memorial Statue, “On Watch” in Solomons, Maryland, provides an opportunity for you to be a part of this exciting effort to commemorate the military service of WWII veterans. The brick plaza surrounding the statue will contain 1,000 commemorative bricks.

Veterans being honored by the placement of a brick need not have trained or served at the Naval Amphibious Base, Solomons. The purpose of these bricks is to recognize the service of those who served their country during WWII.

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The Artist

Antonio Tobias Mendez

Antonio Tobias Mendez is a graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago. Mr. Mendez learned the art of creating public monuments while studying in Spain with the sculptor José Cobo-Calderon.

Born in Denver, Colorado, Toby lived in many places around the world before settling here in Maryland. He has been exhibiting actively since 1985, and has a large portfolio of portraits and monuments.

In Calvert County, Toby is best known for his sculpture "A Tribute to the Oyster Tonger" at Annmarie Garden. "On Watch", the World War II monument, will be similar in size to the tonger.

Like most of Toby's work, both of these monuments pay tribute to regionally important people and their work.

Visit his website at http://www.pleasantvalleystudios.com