Veterans Memorial Reef - VMR

06/07/2026

🌊 We'll be back — and we'd love to see you there.

Last year, VMR President Thomas Marcinowski had the honor of speaking on the panel at the Ocean Innovation Conference hosted by Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship - CIE The conversations, the connections, and the shared commitment to the Blue Economy made it one of the highlights of our year.

This year's conference is coming up, and if ocean innovation, sustainability, and the future of our seas matter to you, this is where you want to be.

📅 September 29, 2026
🕗 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 UNCW Burney Center + Online
🔗 https://uncw.edu/research/centers/innovation-entrepreneurship/events-programs/programs/ocean-innovation/

Join a day of exploring technical and sustainable innovations. Register today!

06/06/2026

A true full-circle moment. Thank you to The Stateport Pilot for honoring John Fryar’s story once again, and for being present as we said goodbye to John and eight other veterans who served with honor. Their legacies will not be forgotten. Great article The State Port Pilot

They were fathers, husbands, grandfathers, friends, brothers, sons and great-grandfathers.

05/23/2026

Last week, we gathered at the Veterans Memorial Reef for our Fallen Heroes Ceremony, a moment to honor two groups who share that sacred title.
First, those who made the ultimate sacrifice in combat, dying in service to this country. They are the traditional heroes Memorial Day was built to remember.

But we also honored our veterans, those who came home, who lived their lives, raised their families, served their communities, and carried the weight of their service every single day until their last. They too are our fallen heroes.

This Monday, as the nation observes Memorial Day, we remember them all. Because service does not end when the uniform comes off. Those Who Served, Continue to Serve. 🇺🇸⚓

05/21/2026

Honored to have the young men and women of the USS Torpedo, Squadron 8, U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, volunteer at our 5th Annual Veterans Memorial Fallen Heroes Ceremony.

There’s something powerful about watching the next generation stand beside the memory of those who served before them. The future of our nation is shaped by young people willing to step forward with service, respect, and purpose.

“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” — Calvin Coolidge

Thank you, cadets, for serving and for carrying forward the spirit of honor, duty, and sacrifice. 🇺🇸⚓

05/18/2026

Today, our Fifth Annual Fallen Heroes Ceremony came to a close as we honored 9 veterans and 3 spouses on their final journey into eternal service at Veterans Memorial Reef, aboard VondaKay Carolina Beach

What began as a vision has grown into a sacred mission of remembrance, honor, and legacy. This weekend was filled with emotion, reflection, military tradition, and the unwavering support of families, volunteers, veterans, and community members who came together to ensure these heroes were never forgotten.

There are far too many people to thank in a single post, but in the coming days we will be sharing more photos, stories, memories, and special acknowledgements to everyone who helped make this deployment such an incredible honor to witness.
To the families who entrusted us with your loved ones, thank you.
it is a responsibility we carry with the deepest respect.

Fair winds and following seas to our Fallen Heroes. 🇺🇸🌊

05/17/2026

⚓️One last journey for those who served, from dockside to the deep, bound for AR 372 Veterans Memorial Reef Site.

05/17/2026

05/16/2026

🎖️ Fallen Heroes Ceremony Day One & Day Two Highlights
We are a thankful foundation.

Thankful for our volunteers. Thankful for the public and your unwavering support. And most of all, thank you to the families and the veterans who have served this country so bravely.

Words cannot express the incredible love and encouragement we have felt over these two days of honoring our fallen heroes.
We cannot wait to lay them to rest on Monday, May 18th.
🇺🇸 Until then, thank you.

05/16/2026

We are grateful for the Wilmington Police Pipes & Drums for sharing their incredible talent during the ceremony. Their performance of the processional, recessional, and Amazing Grace was a beautiful tribute and truly helped us honor our veterans in a meaningful and memorable way.

05/14/2026

It all starts tomorrow! with our Veterans Memorial Reef Fifth Annual Fallen Heroes Ceremony on Saturday the 16th.

Veterans Memorial Reef to honor 10 fallen military service members

https://portcitydaily.com/story/2026/05/14/veterans-memorial-reef-to-honor-10-fallen-soldiers/