frequently asked
Questions
What is the process for applying to bury a loved one with your organization?
To apply for a burial with the Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation, please complete the Burial At-Sea Application. The form will guide you through providing necessary information, including your loved one’s service details and preferences for the memorial reef. Once submitted, our team will review your application and contact you to talk about next steps, answer any questions, and coordinate the ceremony.
To get started, please click on the following link to access the application form:Â FORM LINK
What can FAMILIES EXPECT on the day of the burial at sea?
The burial at sea is a heartfelt and respectful ceremony honoring your loved one’s legacy. Here’s what to expect:
0700:Â The day begins at the Man in the Sea Museum with a celebration of life. We share stories about each individual, highlighting their impact on the nation, community, and family.
0800:Â Following the celebration, a procession will lead to the designated Marina, where families will board the boats.
At Sea:Â Boats will be positioned around the burial site. Divers will enter the water, carrying the urn to the interring area, where they will place the memorial markers over the loved ones. A flag will be draped in the background, and each warrior will be honored with a folded flag.
Flag Presentation:Â Once the divers surface, they will present the folded flag to the spouse or designated family member.
Reflection Time:Â Boats will remain in the area for an additional 30 minutes to give families a moment to connect with their loved ones.
Return to Shore:Â Boats will then depart, bringing families back to the marina.
How much does the burial at-sea cost for my loved one?
Our mission is to provide a burial at sea at no cost to the warrior and their families. We believe in honoring those who served without adding a financial burden to their loved ones. This is made possible through generous donations, fundraising events, and grants that subsidize all costs associated with the ceremony.
If you would like to support our mission or learn more about how we keep these services free for families, please contact us at info@warriormemorialreefs.org.
Can families dive and place their loved one in a memorial reef?
Yes, we encourage families to participate in placing their loved one in a memorial reef if they are qualified to dive. For those who are not certified divers, we will coordinate with a military, police, or firefighter dive team to respectfully place the urn in the interring area on the family’s behalf.
We make every effort to match the dive team with the same branch of service in which the veteran served, creating a meaningful and honorable tribute.
For more information about participating in the placement ceremony or to discuss special requests, please contact us at info@warriormemorialreefs.org.
Are there other at-sea burial options available?
Yes, in addition to our memorial reef placements, we offer other at-sea burial options, including salt urns and the spreading of ashes at sea. Our team will work with your family to create a respectful and meaningful ceremony that honors your loved one’s legacy.
For more information about our burial options, please contact us at info@warriormemorialreefs.org.
How can I sponsor / partner with your organization?
We welcome sponsorships and partnerships with individuals, businesses, and organizations that share our mission to honor veterans, first responders, and K9 partners while promoting marine conservation. You can partner with us through sponsorship opportunities, event collaborations, in-kind donations, or volunteering. To explore partnership opportunities, please contact us at info@warriormemorialreefs.org.
I want to donate through an endowment, how can I set this up with your organization?
Thank you for considering an endowment donation to the Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation! Endowment gifts provide lasting support for our mission by generating ongoing funding for our programs and initiatives. To set up an endowment, please contact us directly at info@warriormemorialreefs.org. We would be happy to discuss your philanthropic goals and guide you through the process.
What is the Military Underwater Heritage Trail and how is your organization supporting?
The Military Underwater Heritage Trail is a county-led initiative spanning from Bay County to Escambia County. This trail features permitted areas in each county that incorporate military heritage through sunken ships, tanks, planes, and other artifacts, along with memorials unique to each location.
The Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation supports this initiative by advising Bay County and creating living memorials within the trail. Our underwater reefs honor veterans, first responders, and K9 partners while contributing to marine conservation. Through our deployments, we enhance the trail’s mission of preserving military history and providing a sanctuary for marine life.
For more information on how we collaborate with local counties and support the trail, please contact us at info@warriormemorialreefs.org.
Do you offer logistical services for visiting our loved one’s memorial reef?
Yes, we can assist families in visiting their loved one’s memorial reef. Our team will help coordinate the logistics, including boat transportation to the site and if needed, dive equipment. A setup fee will apply to support this request.
Are the events provided the only burials at sea for the year? Do you provide private ceremonies? If so, is their additional costs?
No, the events listed on our calendar are public ceremonies where we conduct multiple at-sea burials on those specific dates. If you prefer a private ceremony, we are happy to work with your family to create a personalized experience.
Are there other purchase options to support the burial?
Yes, we offer a variety of additional services to enhance the burial experience, including professional videography and photography, floral arrangements, coral implants, dive equipment rentals, and other customizable options.
For a complete list of available services and to make arrangements, please click on the following link:Â Â
DIVE MEMORIAL SITE
Submerging the DIVERS Memorial
Watch as divers carefully submerge a memorial honoring the courageous military divers who have selflessly served our country. This solemn moment pays tribute to their dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms beneath the waves. Witness a powerful display of respect and remembrance as this lasting tribute finds its place in the depths, preserving their legacy for generations to come.