Diving in America, During Surface Interval, Scuba Diving Destinations, Scuba News, Surface Interval

"'Circle of heroes' - underwater monument to honour veterans - video

The first underwater monument will be built in Pinellas County as a tribute and respect for war veterans. The submerged sculptures will depict soldiers and, in addition to their function as a tribute to veterans, are also expected to become an attraction for divers. Although the soldier statues were made of hard concrete, they created

ByTomasz Andrukajtis

Published: February 6, 2018 - 19:31

Updated: July 22, 2023 - 16:25

“‘Circle of heroes’ – underwater monument to honour veterans – video

The first underwater monument will be built in Pinellas County as a tribute and respect for war veterans. The submerged sculptures will depict soldiers and, in addition to their function as a tribute to veterans, are also expected to become an attraction for divers.

Although the soldier statues were made of hard concrete, they created a warm and friendly atmosphere around themselves and the whole project.

-- Advertisement --

[blockquote style=”2″]”These are our guys! These are the men we served with together, those we knew, but also those we didn’t know and will never know. Nevertheless, they are still our men, our brothers. It brings back a lot of memories from when we were in the Army,” said veteran David A. Thomas.[/blockquote]

The first part of the underwater monument will consist of 12 sculptures and will commemorate men and women who have served in all branches of the army. The whole will consist of 24 life-size statues and will form the first underwater facility of its kind dedicated to veterans.

[blockquote style=”2″]”The idea came years ago, but we needed time to make it a reality. In the beginning we thought about sinking some tanks and similar equipment, but we realized that with time everything would start to rust and look worse and worse. We wanted something that would last for many years.” – explained Dr Heyward Mathews, a retired lecturer from St Petersburg College[/blockquote].

“The Circle of Heroes” will be installed on the seabed near Sand Key Beach, at a depth of 10-12 metres. This will make it accessible to both divers and snoorkers.

The whole project is expected to cost around $0.5m to complete, but the county authorities are confident that the new attraction will also generate revenue and have a significant impact on local business and the economy.

[blockquote style=”2″]”It’s hard to explain to someone outside our circle how much feeling and emotion this project evokes,” concluded an emotional David A. Thomas.”[/blockquote]

Source: abcactionnews.com

About author

Tomasz Andrukajtis

Editor-in-chief of the DIVERS24 portal and magazine. Responsible for obtaining, translating and developing content. He also supervises all publications. Achived his first diving certification – P1 CMAS, in 2000. Has a degree in journalism and social communication. In the diving industry since 2008.