Circle of Heroes facts for kids

The Circle of Heroes is a special underwater memorial located about 10 miles off the coast of Dunedin Beach, Florida. It's found deep in the Gulf of Mexico. This unique place honors military veterans and is the very first underwater memorial of its kind.

The Circle of Heroes was officially opened on August 5, 2019. It currently features 12 large statues, each standing 6 feet tall. These statues are placed about 40 feet underwater. There are plans to add 12 more statues in the future. Many people enjoy visiting this memorial, as it is a popular diving spot.

What is the Circle of Heroes?

The Circle of Heroes is a unique monument built to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States military. Unlike most memorials that are on land, this one is completely underwater. It provides a peaceful and respectful place for divers to visit and reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans.

Why an Underwater Memorial?

Creating a memorial underwater offers a very special experience. It allows people to connect with the ocean while also paying tribute to heroes. The calm and quiet environment beneath the waves can make visiting the memorial a very moving experience. It also helps create new diving spots, which can be good for local tourism and marine life.

How Deep is the Memorial?

The statues of the Circle of Heroes are placed at a depth of about 40 feet (around 12 meters) below the surface of the water. This depth is suitable for many scuba divers, including those with basic diving certifications. It makes the memorial accessible to a wide range of visitors who want to explore it.

Who Built the Circle of Heroes?

The idea for the Circle of Heroes came from a group of people who wanted to create a lasting tribute to veterans. It was a big project that involved many different organizations and volunteers. Their goal was to build a place that would honor service members in a truly unique way.

The Vision Behind the Memorial

The creators imagined a place where divers could swim among statues representing different branches of the military. They wanted it to be a place of peace and remembrance. The project also aimed to highlight the importance of marine conservation, as the memorial can also become a habitat for marine life over time.

Community Support for the Project

Building an underwater memorial required a lot of support. Many local businesses, community groups, and individuals helped make the Circle of Heroes a reality. They donated time, money, and resources to ensure the project was completed successfully. This shows how much the community values its veterans.

Visiting the Circle of Heroes

The Circle of Heroes is a popular destination for divers. It offers a chance to see a beautiful and meaningful site while enjoying the underwater world. Many dive shops in the Dunedin and Clearwater area offer trips to the memorial.

What Can You See When Diving?

When you dive at the Circle of Heroes, you will see the 12 tall statues standing in a circle on the seabed. Each statue represents a different aspect of military service. Over time, marine life like corals and fish may begin to grow on the statues, making them part of the ocean's ecosystem.

Is it Safe for Divers?

Yes, diving at the Circle of Heroes is generally safe for certified divers. It's important to always dive with a buddy and follow all safety guidelines. Local dive operators can provide guidance and equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The relatively shallow depth of 40 feet makes it a good site for many skill levels.

The Future of the Memorial

The Circle of Heroes is still growing. There are plans to add more statues to the memorial, eventually bringing the total number to 24. This expansion will make the site even larger and more impressive, allowing it to honor even more veterans.

Expanding the Tribute

Adding more statues means that the memorial will continue to evolve. Each new statue will represent another hero or aspect of military service, making the tribute even more comprehensive. This ongoing development shows a continued commitment to honoring those who have served.

How it Helps Marine Life

Artificial reefs, like the Circle of Heroes, can help support marine ecosystems. The statues provide a hard surface where corals, sponges, and other marine organisms can attach and grow. This can attract fish and other sea creatures, turning the memorial into a thriving underwater habitat.