Fallen Heroes Ceremony in Southport to honor 10 veterans ahead of burial at sea

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — Veterans Memorial Reef will honor 10 U.S. armed forces veterans during its annual Fallen Heroes Ceremony on May 16 in Southport, ahead of a burial at sea planned for May 18.

The ceremony is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors Center on East Bay Street. The public is invited to attend.

The event is part of a weekend of activities recognizing veterans whose cremated remains will be placed at the Veterans Memorial Reef, located about five miles offshore near Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach.

Organizers said this year’s ceremony carries added significance as it honors two World War II-era veterans and recognizes the 250th anniversary of the United States. Veterans from the Korean and Vietnam wars will also be recognized.

The reef currently serves as the resting place for 30 veterans and can accommodate up to 2,500. Each year, the remains of 10 veterans are added to the site.

According to organizers, the artificial reef is designed to support marine life while also helping preserve the coastline.

“We believe those who have served, continue to serve as the reef offers not only a lasting tribute to our veterans but also benefits marine ecosystems and coastal resilience,” Veterans Memorial Reef Founder and President Thomas Marcinowski said in a statement.

During the ceremony, each veteran will receive full military honors. Families will also receive folded ceremonial flags presented by Honor Guard members representing the veteran’s branch of service.

The ceremony will include military honors, eulogies, a ceremonial processional and a performance of “Amazing Grace” by the Wilmington Police Pipes and Drums.

The burial at sea is scheduled for Monday, May 18. Families will board a charter boat in Carolina Beach and accompany the journey offshore as memorial markers containing the veterans’ cremated remains are placed on the reef.

The Veterans Memorial Reef spans about 162 acres and consists of concrete memorial markers containing sealed aquatic urns. Each marker includes a plaque bearing the veteran’s name and is positioned about 52 feet underwater facing east toward the rising sun.

Marcinowski, a U.S. Army veteran, said he created the reef in response to limited burial space in military cemeteries. The organization now works with marine scientists and students at the University of North Carolina Wilmington to support the reef’s environmental mission.

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