My thanks to all of you out there who are veterans, and who gave so much for our country and its freedom. I so enjoy seeing the memorials in communities across our country that have been erected to honor those who have served. Some are simple, but profound. Others are more elaborate, and take a little longer to see and take in. It doesn’t matter the size, they all tell a story that we need to remember and celebrate.
I just learned of a different kind of memorial that has been constructed to once again honor our veterans and war heroes. It is forty feet UNDER WATER , off the coast of Dunedin Beach, Florida. Appropriately named “Circle of Heroes, it is made up of twelve statues currently, but when it is finished in 2020 there will be a total of twenty-four. The additional twelve statues will complete the 100 -foot circle. Each 6 foot tall statue is weighted down by a 2000 pound base. Standing out in the middle of the structures is a four foot high monument with emblems of the five branches of our military service displayed proudly.
This unique memorial is all about honoring our our military members. The idea for this memorial came from Heyward Matthews, a professor of oceanography at St. Petersberg College in Florida. He labored for ten years to get this monument set in place, especially for veterans with PTSD, depression, or trauma. They have the opportunity to dive down for therapeutic purposes. The reports indicate that going to see this provides a sense of peace and healiing.
This first-of-its-kind underwater veterans dive memorial was dedicated just this year on August 5th. One of the men involved in the first dive said, “ As I dropped through the 40 feet separating the boat from the memorial, I left the real world and became part of something bigger than me”. There seemed to be a connection to the men and women standing in the Circle of Heroes staring back at the divers. What kind of connection do each of us have with those who have gone before us to give of themselves so we can live in freedom?
A nonprofit, Brighter Future Florida, is spearheading the fundraising efforts for this memorial. $ 50,000 was given to get the project started by private and corporate donations. It is estimated that about $ 400,000 will be the final cost. If you want to learn more about this unusual war memorial, visit www.brighterfutureflorida.org.
Veterans, once again I thank you for your service. Not only have you defended this nation while in uniform, but then you have come home and continued to work at transforming and strengthening it as civilians. We are proud of you, and all that you sacrificed to be able to do what you did. Thank You!!
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