Veterans Memorial Reef - VMR

Veterans Memorial Reef - VMR Veterans Memorial Reef is a nonprofit organization that honors veterans by creating a unique aquatic memorial.

Veterans Memorial Reef is a nonprofit organization that honors fallen heroes by creating a unique aquatic memorial. We offer veterans the opportunity to be laid to rest at sea in a meaningful and sustainable way. The process begins with transferring their remains into a specially designed aquatic urn, which is then sealed in a concrete memorial marker. This marker is lowered to the seafloor, where

it becomes part of a living artificial reef, fostering marine life and contributing to the health of the ocean ecosystem. Located off the coast of Carolina and Wrightsville Beach, NC, our reef serves as a lasting tribute to those who have served while also preserving the integrity of our coastline. Through this memorial, we not only honor their sacrifice but also help sustain the delicate balance of marine life for future generations.

๐ŸŒŠ FROM THE REEF | Did You Know?Veterans Memorial Reef is more than a place of remembrance. As memorial structures become...
08/14/2026

๐ŸŒŠ FROM THE REEF | Did You Know?

Veterans Memorial Reef is more than a place of remembrance. As memorial structures become part of the marine environment, they can provide hard substrate and habitat for marine life.

What would YOU like us to show you from the reef, fish, marine growth, the memorial markers, or the deployment process?

Weโ€™re honored to be featured in the latest WilmingtonBiz article highlighting the ripple effect of the Ocean Innovation ...
08/03/2026

Weโ€™re honored to be featured in the latest WilmingtonBiz article highlighting the ripple effect of the Ocean Innovation Conference! ๐ŸŒŠ

https://www.wilmingtonbiz.com/insights/heather_mcwhorter/the_ripple_effect_of_the_ocean_innovation_conference/4298

A big thank you to the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship - CIE for creating opportunities that connect innovators, entrepreneurs, and our coastal community. Weโ€™re excited to attend the Ocean Innovation Conference on September 29, 2026, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of the blue economy.

A special shout-out to our incredible Executive Assistant for always championing our story and capturing the moments through her beautiful photography. Your dedication and talent never go unnoticed! ๐Ÿ“ธ๐Ÿ’™

Weโ€™re looking forward to seeing everyone at

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ No Veteran Left Behind. One Cup. One Legacy. ๐ŸŒŠhttps://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/those-who-served-continue-to-...
07/30/2026

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ No Veteran Left Behind. One Cup. One Legacy. ๐ŸŒŠ

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/those-who-served-continue-to-serve

Here on the coast, we know the sea has a way of preserving stories. Through the Veterans Memorial Reef, weโ€™re making sure the stories of our veterans are never forgotten.

For about the cost of one Starbucks coffee each month, you can help give a veteran the honor they earned through a lifetime of service.

Last year, your generosity changed the story of WWII and Korean War veteran John Fryar.

Without the support of our community, Johnโ€™s ashes would have remained in an urn on the recliner inside his trailer, with no permanent memorial to honor his service.

Instead, because people like you cared, John now rests among his fellow service members at the Veterans Memorial Reef. His legacy lives on beneath the waters he loved, where family, friends, and our community can remember his sacrifice for generations to come.

There are still veterans waiting.

Every monthly donation, no matter the size helps ensure No Veteran Is Left Behind.

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Honor their service.
๐ŸŒŠ Preserve their legacy.
โค๏ธ Join our monthly giving family today.

Because every veteran deserves to be remembered.

veteranleftbehind ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธToday we honor all who served during the Korean War, and continue to ser...
07/27/2026

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

Today we honor all who served during the Korean War, and continue to serve as part of our artificial reef ๐Ÿชธ

Take a moment to learn about the veterans honored through the Veterans Memorial Reef by visiting our Fallen Heroes page:
https://veteransmemorialreef.org/fallen-heroes/

We remember. We honor. We never forget. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

07/17/2026

๐ŸŽ‰ Happy Belated Birthday to our wonderful Chairman, Terri Medlin! ๐ŸŽ‚
We hope your special day was filled with joy, laughter, and well-deserved celebration. Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and continued support. Wishing you an amazing year ahead! ๐Ÿฅณ๐ŸŽˆ

๐ŸŒŠโ˜• A huge shoutout to UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship - CIEFrom 1 Million Cups to the Ocean Innovation C...
07/16/2026

๐ŸŒŠโ˜• A huge shoutout to UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship - CIE

From 1 Million Cups to the Ocean Innovation Conference, UNCW CIE has been an incredible supporter of Veterans Memorial Reef and the entrepreneurial community across our region.

This year, VMR is proud to sponsor a table at the Ocean Innovation Conference. CIE also helped connect us with NATRX, and that partnership has changed everything for our mission and the future of our reef work.

CIE is where entrepreneurs, innovators, veterans, environmental leaders, and community partners come together to share ideas and build real relationships. The stewardship community surrounding the Ocean Innovation Conference is truly something special.

Our President Thomas had the honor of speaking at last yearโ€™s conference, and we cannot wait to hear from this yearโ€™s speakers, meet new collaborators, and keep building momentum for healthier coastal communities.

If you have never attended, this is the year to join us. Come connect, learn, and see what can happen when innovation meets purpose. https://www.uncw.edu/research/centers/innovation-entrepreneurship/events-programs/programs/ocean-innovation/

๐ŸŽ„๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE! ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐ŸŽ„Veterans Memorial Reef  is celebrating Christmas in July with a limited-time merchandise ...
07/14/2026

๐ŸŽ„๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE! ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐ŸŽ„

Veterans Memorial Reef is celebrating Christmas in July with a limited-time merchandise sale now through July 31!

Help us make room for new inventory while supporting our mission to honor veterans and preserve marine habitats!

Sale Prices (Taxes Included!)

๐Ÿ‘• Bella+Canvas Short Sleeve โ€“ $19.26
๐Ÿ‘• Bella+Canvas Long Sleeve โ€“ $23.54
โ˜€๏ธ SPF Sun Shirts โ€“ $28.89
๐Ÿฉท 40 oz Pink Compass Tumbler โ€“ NOW ONLY $30 (Save $5!)
โœจ We have limited quantities and sizes available.

๐ŸŽ Start your Christmas shopping early and take advantage of these special Christmas in July savings before they're gone!

SHOP ONLINE: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/veterans-memorial-reefs-shop

๐Ÿ“ Local pickup is available all week!
Our inventory will be available for pickup at our office throughout the week.

Thank you for supporting Veterans Memorial Reef and helping us continue our mission of honoring those who served. โค๏ธ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’™

What an incredible day! ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿฆช๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธA heartfelt thank you to Professor Troy Alphin and UNCW Center for Marine Science for inviti...
07/10/2026

What an incredible day! ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿฆช๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

A heartfelt thank you to Professor Troy Alphin and UNCW Center for Marine Science for inviting Veterans Memorial Reef to be part of this amazing Living Shoreline Project. Weโ€™re honored to support an effort that helps restore and protect our coastal environment for future generations.

We look forward to this being the beginning of many more opportunities to work together in protecting the waters and shorelines we all cherish.

The Veterans Memorial Reef is a proud part of St. Jamesโ€™ Living Shoreline Project, helping protect our coastline while s...
07/10/2026

The Veterans Memorial Reef is a proud part of St. Jamesโ€™ Living Shoreline Project, helping protect our coastline while supporting healthy marshes, oyster populations, and marine habitat. By working with nature, these living shorelines reduce erosion, improve water quality, and strengthen our coastal ecosystem for future generations. ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿฆช๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

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7 Beaureguard Drive
Wilmington, NC
28412

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