“Leading His Way” Through Life: Sid Salomon
Forever Honored at Head of the Schuylkill Regatta.

By Jeff Laird

Sid Salomon, world-class oarsman and human being was a man who touched the lives of everyone he met. Many of these people, whether from his home river on the Schuylkill or across the ocean, shared the common bond of rowing. A new trophy and medal at this year’s Head of the Schuylkill Regatta will pay tribute to the man who was a role model and world emissary for Philadelphia rowing.

Sid Salomon passed away a month shy of his ninety-first birthday in 2004, but his legacy and character live on in the hearts and spirits of people all over the world. A World War II veteran, serving as an Army Ranger, Sid was one of the first men to touch boots at Omaha Beach on D-Day. For the movie Saving Private Ryan, Director Stephen Spielberg, incorporated Sid’s experiences as the basis for Tom Hanks’ character.

For his courageous D-Day acts, in addition to many others, Sid was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star. The French Army also presented Sid with the Croix de Guerre: the Cross of War, a prestigious honor bestowed upon him for his heroic deeds.

As a young man, Sid’s dream of rowing in the Olympics was cut short because of World War II. Years after the war, and into his sixties, Sid began rowing again, and made quite a name for himself. He became part of a group of men dubbed the “Golden Eight”; a crew of predominately Philadelphia rowers that traveled the world competing and routinely winning gold medals along their way. They achieved the pinnacle of Masters Rowing by winning the FISA World Masters Rowing Championships, several times over.

Sid was known for his superb oarsmanship and passion for rowing, but mainly for his gentle nature and love for those around him. He embodied the true essence of an oarsman, and displayed those characteristics both on and off the water. “Sid invented the word gentleman and was a role model for all of us,” said Jack Sholl, longtime friend and fellow Golden Eight oarsman. “I never heard him swear,” said Sholl.

The highest age winner of a men’s race at this year’s Head of the Schuylkill Regatta will be awarded with the Sid Saloman Trophy and Medal; a true testament to those who despite growing older, continue to pursue rowing greatness and a lifestyle dedicated to hard work and citizenship.

The trophy is situated on a three-tiered base which contains a rifle shell casing honoring Sid’s military service. Two wooden Malta Boat Club (Sid’s home club) oars are positioned atop the base. The trophy will be housed at the Fairmount Rowing Association. The medal is engraved with the Army Ranger motto, “Rangers Lead the Way.”

As another Head of the Schuylkill falls upon us under a changing Philadelphia skyline, the drive and determination of dedicated rowers continue to define hard work and sportsmanship in athletics. Sid would be proud to know that his passion for the sport is alive and well on the Schuylkill.