The haunting tale behind the American Merchant Mariner’s Memorial (NY)

New York—the city so nice they named it twice.

If you’ve ever visited New York City, you’ve probably seen the American Merchant Mariner’s Memorial, located on the west side of Battery Park. The public art piece is based on a true event that occurred during WWII, when a Nazi U-boat attacked an American Merchant Marine vessel. The Nazis photographed the victims of the sinking vessel—and the haunting tribute is directly inspired by one of those photos. The piece features two men desperately calling for help, while a third man reaches out for a victim in the water. At high tide, when forceful waves splash against the victim, this vision is especially moving.