Chicago Riverwalk / Chicago Submarine Memorial

 

Chicago Sumarine Memorial

U.S. Navy Submarine Memorial

Dedicated: May 18, 2019

Location: Chicago Riverwalk / 435 East Riverwalk Drive

The Memorial commemorates 28 submarines built in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, that traveled through Chicago to the Pacific Ocean during the World War II

Not Forget Pearl Harbor - The design, construction and placement here, is a result of a challenge by a group of World War II submarine combat veterans to "Not Forget Pearl Harbor".

The Memorial is dedicated to all U.S. Navy Submariners, past, present and future, who defend our country.

Chicago Submarine Memorial

An artists rendition of one of the Manitowoc submarines passing under the raised Lake Shore Drive Drawbridge and entering the Chicago River on it's way to Lockport, Illinois the next to last spot on their journey before going off to war in the Pacific.

Chicago Submarine Memorial

On the back of one of the benches is engraved the famous quote that refers to the attack on Pearl Harbor; "We shall never forget that it was our submarines that held the lines against the enemy, while our fleets replaced losses and repaired wounds." The quote is attributed to Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, U.S.N.;  referencing to the crucial role of U.S. Submarines in World War II.

Chicago Submarine Memorial

On the east side of the bulkhead, there is a list of 28 Submarines that were built at Manitowoc, Wisconsin. 

The Bulkhead is placed on a thirty-three foot wide circular base of concrete and brick pavers. Thirty-three feet represents the approximate outside hull diameter Gato and Balao class submarines built at Manitowoc and other shipyards during the war.