Nation’s first underwater veterans memorial opens to divers 40-feet down, 10 miles off the Florida coast
- The nation’s first underwater dive memorial honoring US veterans has officially formed as the first 12 statues have been lowered in to place in the Gulf of Mexico
- The memorial site is called the Circle of Heroes and is located roughly 10 miles off of the Pinellas County shore
- The statues stand 6-feet tall and will form a ‘Circle of Heroes’ 40 feet underwater
- It will also serve as a therapeutic dive site for disabled veterans suffering from PTSD, depression and trauma
- The statues will become an artificial reef to help sustain marine life in the Gulf
A dozen concrete statues of U.S. service members have been placed in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida as an underwater memorial.
Dozens of divers, including veteran amputees, swam down 40 feet Monday as part of the Circle of Heroes’ opening ceremony.
The six-foot statues and monument bearing the bronze emblems of five military branches represent the men and women from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
The nation’s first underwater dive memorial honoring US veterans has officially formed as the first 12 statues have been lowered in to place in the Gulf of Mexico
The memorial site is called the Circle of Heroes and is located roughly 10 miles off of the Pinellas County shore. The statues are pictured before they were lowered into the ocean
They are meant to be a permanent fixture at Veteran’s Reef, about ten miles west of Clearwater.
They honor the armed forces and provide a unique diving experience.
Former Congressman David Jolly’s nonprofit, Brighter Future Florida, led the fundraising to complete the memorial. It was designed by his uncle, Heyward Matthews, a professor of oceanography at St. Petersburg College.
Pinellas County provided $50,000, and Brighter Future Florida raised $150,000.
‘This underwater exhibit featuring our nation’s heroes will also help sustain marine life in our Gulf waters by serving as an artificial reef,’ said Jolly. ‘I also thank my uncle, Dr. Heyward Mathews, for creating the concept, and for his dedication to growing the dive community and tourism in our region.’
The statues stand 6-feet tall and will form a ‘Circle of Heroes’ 40 feet underwater
The six-foot statues and monument bearing the bronze emblems of the five military branches represent the men and women from U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard
The statues will become an artificial reef to help sustain marine life in the Gulf
The site will also serve as a therapeutic dive site for disabled veterans suffering from PTSD, depression and trauma
ABC reports that 12 additional statues are set to be installed in 2020 completing the 100-foot monument
‘With the nation’s first underwater memorial, we are shining the spotlight on the importance of remembering those who have fought to protect our freedoms,’ said Pinellas County Board Chair Karen Seel.
‘People around the world will visit this iconic site, increasing dive-related tourism and helping businesses grow in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area.’
Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., said they were celebrating the “momentous day.”
‘Most importantly, we’re honoring our heroes with an indelible legacy that will be admired for generations. This treasure of the Gulf will forever remind us of their sacrifices and their service to our country,’ Bilirakis added.
12 additional statues are set to be installed in 2020 completing the 100-foot monument
The memorial allows veterans and civilians to remember brave soldiers
It’s a first-of-its-kind monument that gives veterans and civilians a chance to come face to face with bravery and courage in a place so tranquil and intimate
The project took two years to complete and there will be 24 statues placed underwater by next Veteran’s Day