Lone Sailor Monument dedication connects Cleveland generations

By Kelly Margaret Heikkila
October 21, 2024

As Americans, we sometimes feel separated from the armed forces that serve and protect us. Only 1.3 Million out of 335 million Americans are actively serving in the US Military. They are sworn to serve and protect US citizens at home and abroad. The US Navy is the military’s third largest branch, including the US Marines Corps. The Navy comprises 430 ships, 50 submarines, and despite its name- 2,623 aircraft. Considering the breadth and scope of Naval forces, it is no surprise that the US Navy is committed to encouraging  the next generation through educational modules and legacy preservation. 

The USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation was established in 2019 to foster a connection between the city of Cleveland and the flagship bearing the city’s name. The foundation is behind the new Lone Sailor Monument situated at the end of Voinovich Park, peering out at Lake Erie, with the lighthouse and breakers placid in the distance. 

The monument’s dedication kicks off a year of celebration for the Navy. October 13th, 2025 celebrates the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Navy by founding father George Washington himself, when he converted three Masschustes schooners into warships to intercept a British Naval Supply ship. 

There are 18 Lone Sailor Monuments across the country’s coastlines and waterways. Cleveland’s Lone Sailor Monument has an extra special element. A plaque commemorating and linking veterans from Northeast Ohio is made. in part, from repurposed stone from the Civil War-era Soldiers and Sailors monument. Linking past to the present.

The dedication was a wonderful moment for families of veterans. A mother and her daughter were there, standing alongside her son-in-law, whose grandfather was a Navy veteran. “We have the whole family,” she said smiling, “My son-in-law’s grandfather served in the Navy, and they placed his name on the new monument plaque.” 

Veterans from the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, active-duty members of the US Military, children part of the US Naval Sea Cadets, and a local Scouting America troop (formerly Boy Scouts of America), all participated in the ceremony alongside marching bands from Warrensville Heights High School and Shaw High School. Both bands will be performing for the Navy in Hawaii at Pearl Harbor.

A personal connection 

Many Cleveland and Northeast Ohio residents have had friends and family who served either in the Navy, or the US Military. My own grandfather was a World War II Veteran who served in the South Pacific with the US Military. Pictured below is my grandfather, Harlan Green. He was a graduate of the Ohio State University, he dotted the eye performing ‘Script Ohio’ in the 1950s and naturally took his tuba to war with him, bringing a little bit of Ohio with him in the process. In this photo, he is pictured entertaining two Filipino children with his beloved tuba. 

The USS Cleveland

Historically, there have been four ships bearing the name USS Cleveland. The first USS Cleveland was commissioned in 1903, the second USS Cleveland served in World War II in the South Pacific, and the third was commisioned in 1967. However, the fourth USS Cleveland will have special significance. 

“The USS Cleveland will be christened, here in Cleveland in September 2025, and will be the first ship to visit the city of its namesake,” said Brigadier General Peter Collins, CEO of the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation in his opening remarks dedicating Cleveland’s Lone Sailor Monument. Additionally, Collins noted there would be a special connection between the USS Cleveland and the City of Cleveland. After the ship’s christening, the USS Cleveland will sail to Florida. While on active duty, Northeast Ohio residents will have opportunities to sponsor sailors aboard the USS Cleveland, and there will be internship opportunities for sailors after returning to civilian life with Cleveland-area companies. After the ship’s life as an active-duty vessel, the USS Cleveland will then return ‘home’ to Northeast Ohio, to live the rest of its life as an educational museum for residents and tourists, much like present-day William G. Mather.

The USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation’s efforts to foster connections between Northeast Ohio families, active-duty military servicemen and women, veterans, and Northeast Ohio cannot be understated. Their recognition of the sacrifice that is made to protect our country is something as civilians, we often take for granted. 

I’m very proud of the efforts by the USS Cleveland Foundation to honor the legacy of service members like my grandfather while supporting connections with Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. We live in a beautiful city, and we’re honored to have the US Navy invest in our city’s past, present, and future. 

To continue the connection between the USS Cleveland, and the city of Cleveland, Ohio- the Navy has a free educational curriculum available to educators and troop leaders called STEAM Stars. There are seven modules, each with a different topic. Water Vessels, Aviation, Submarines, Information Warfare, Medicine, Musicians, and Team Skills. Educators can use the free educational materials to teach children problem-solving skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.