Circle of Heroes
The Circle of Heroes is an underwater military veterans memorial 10 miles off the coast of Honeymoon Island State Park in the Gulf of Mexico. It is the first underwater veterans memorial.[1] It was dedicated on August 5, 2019 and currently has thirteen 6-foot tall statues at a depth of 40 feet underwater with plans to add an additional twelve statues.[2] The memorial is considered a recreational dive site.
| Circle of Heroes | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Location | Florida, USA |
| Waterbody | Veterans Memorial Reef |
| Nearest land | Caladesi Island State Park |
| Coordinates | 28.0264°N 82.9133°W |
| Dive type | Open-water |
| Depth range | 36 to 40 ft (11 to 12 m) |
| Average visibility | 31 to 35 ft (9.4 to 10.7 m) |
| Entry type | Boat |
| Bottom composition | Sand |
| Water | Salt |
Each statue weighs 1,200 pounds.[3]
Statues
The statues depict:[4]
- Navy Sailor
- Southeast Asia War Soldier
- Korean War Soldier
- Marine in Dress Blues
- Vietnam Soldier
- Air Force Pilot
- No Man Left Behind
- Gulf War Soldier
- Iraq War Soldier
- Iraq Freedom Fighter
- Army Nurse
- Soldier Kneeling & Battle Cross
- Coast Guard Sailor
References
- Mackley, Brian. "The first underwater veterans memorial is open for divers", MilitaryTimes website, August 5, 2019. Retrieved November 2, 2019.
- Dyhouse, Janie. "VFW's Image 'Shines' Under the Sea", VFW Magazine, volume 107, Number 3, November/December 2019, page 23.
- Guerrat, John. "'Circle of Heroes' reef memorial on track, seeks more donations", Tampa Bay Times online, February 21, 1919. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
- Lewis, Bobby. "Circle of Heroes underwater memorial honors military veterans", 2021 WTSP-TV website (10 Tampa Bay), published August 5, 2019, updated September 14, 2019. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
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