A new memorial is being created in honor of U.S. veterans, and it’s quite unique.
Unlike other memorials, which you can walk up to and admire, this new memorial is something you’ll have to swim to. That’s because it’s being placed 40 feet underwater in the Gulf of Mexico, just a few miles off the Florida coast.
On July 18, the first half of the memorial, called the “Circle of Heroes,” was put in place. A total of 12 statues were purposefully sunk to form the memorial, with the statues representing members of various military branches.
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By the time the memorial is complete, it will feature a total of 24 statues depicting the men and women of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy. John David White, the director of the project, told The Miami Herald that some of the statues will even have custom-made faces designed to represent specific veterans.
He also said that the statues will surround a five-sided monument with bronze emblems representing each of the U.S.’s military branches.
So since the memorial will be underwater, it must be impossible to visit, right? Well you’re wrong, because the memorial can actually be viewed by those who are willing and able to swim down to it.
In fact, White said that beyond serving as a memorial, he hopes the site will serve as a place for veterans to receive aqua therapy.
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So when will this stunning site open to the public? White revealed that the memorial should be open as soon as August, so if you happen to be in the Clearwater, Florida area at that time, you can be one of the first to see it.
Until then, Brighter Future Florida, the nonprofit group in charge of the project (of which White is the director), is looking to raise additional funds to complete the memorial. If you’d like to donate to the memorial, you can do so by visiting the Brighter Future Florida website here.
We can’t wait to see this memorial once it is finished. It’s such a fitting and beautiful way to honor the men and women who have served our great nation.
Tune in to the video below to watch crews lowering the first 12 statues into the water to start the memorial.