CLEARWATER, FL — The nation’s first-of-its-kind underwater dive memorial honoring veterans is now open. Circle of Heroes officially opened Monday following a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“We are celebrating a momentous day for our county, our state and our nation. But 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,” said U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, a Republican from Palm Harbor.
Among those attending was Shawn Campbell, who spent 13 years in the U.S. Army as a combat medic, who was surprised to find out that his employer, Narcosis Scuba of Tarpon Springs, made a donation to have his name placed on the statue of a soldier representing the Iraqi War.
Located roughly 10 miles off the shore of Clearwater at a depth of 40 feet, Circle of Heroes is made up of 12 life-size concrete statues representing the men and women serving in the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy. An additional twelve statues will be installed in 2020 to complete the 100-foot Circle of Heroes.
“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 Commission chairwoman 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.”
“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 former U.S. Rep. David Jolly, whose nonprofit, Brighter Future Florida, is spearheading the campaign to complete the memorial.
“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,” Jolly added.
Dr. Mathews, a professor of oceanography at St. Petersburg College, cut Monday’s red ribbon officially opening Circle of Heroes to divers. He started pursuing the idea of an underwater memorial nearly 10 years ago. His vision was to create a unique way to honor those who served, but also construct an underwater memorial that could be used as a therapeutic dive site for disabled veterans suffering from PTSD, depression and trauma.
Pinellas County
The statues making up Circle of Heroes were made possible thanks to the support of private businesses, community donors and Pinellas County.
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