John Paul Jones Memorial — Attraction in Washington

The John Paul Jones Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the most famous naval hero of the American Revolution, often called the "Father of the U.S. Navy." Located near the Tidal Basin at 17th Street and Independence Avenue SW, the bronze statue stands before a marble pylon and was dedicated in 1912.

The memorial commemorates Jones's daring raids on British shipping and, most famously, his victory over the superior British frigate HMS Serapis. The back of the pylon is inscribed with his legendary reply to the British demand for surrender: "Surrender? I Have Not Yet Begun to Fight!" The monument also features dolphin heads spouting water into basins and a bas-relief showing Jones raising the American flag, which he was the first to fly on an American warship. His remains were brought back from Paris in 1905 and are interred at the U.S. Naval Academy...

Each of these Washington DC memorials needs a minute or much more of ponderance and respect! John Paul Jones has something to say to us all in our fights. What was it like to defend our young country, be fervently committed to a cause, and say, “I have not yet begun to fight.” as he faced the British in a battle that would define the core soul of a man? Perhaps these statues can speak to us as we read our newspapers, listen to the pundits, and watch the nightly news of other countries worldwide. Memorial Day was perfect to ponder as we biked through the DC Mall. Have fun...

Located in the midst of the National Mall array of monuments, you'll pass this sculpture when walking between the WWII Memorial and the romantic Tidal Basin. It is surrounded on all sides by roads and is not a quiet spot during rush hour, however don't miss this memorial to our first recognized Navy hero on a quiet evening. Few locals know of its existence and, therefore, it might make a fun addition to a Mall...