Our Commemoration Process
Veterans Memorial Reef is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring veterans by offering a unique memorial service at sea, located off the coast of Carolina Beach, NC. Veterans’ ashes are combined and embedded within specially designed, environmentally friendly memorial markers. These markers pay tribute to our veterans, celebrate their legacies, and honor their families while also addressing the decreasing availability of land for traditional burial plots. During a three-day ceremony, these memorial markers are placed in the ocean, contributing to the preservation, rehabilitation, and protection of our natural ocean reef ecosystems.
Memorial Process – 3 days
VMR has developed a sequence of events that are scheduled over a period of 3 days. These events will begin on Friday and culminate on Monday (weather permitting). Each family member or representative will be assigned a personal VMR liaison. This liaison will be their contact before, during, and after the process to help with any questions/concerns that might arise.
Family members and representatives are encouraged to participate in all events but are not required to, however we will require a head count for the Dedication Ceremony on Monday since boat spots are limited.
Day 1 - Memorializing
Once the Memorial Marker has been completed, families will gather at a designated location to transfer their loved one’s cremains into a specially designed aquatic urn. This urn is then carefully incorporated into the Memorial Marker for its eventual placement on the reef.
During this meaningful time, family members are encouraged to personalize the marker. Options include attaching small mementos, writing messages, leaving handprints, or creating a time capsule that reflects the life and legacy of their veteran. These personal touches ensure that each Memorial Marker is as unique as the hero it represents.
Day 2 - Ceremony
Families are invited to visit the Memorial Markers and attend the Fallen Heroes Ceremony, where we honor each veteran individually. Military honors are rendered during this ceremony when appropriate, based on the veteran’s branch of service.
The ceremony is held outdoors. We recommend checking the weather forecast and dressing accordingly for the conditions.
When eligible, military honors are conducted by the Honor Guard and service-specific personnel, and may include a flag detail, rifle salute, and the playing of “Taps,” followed by the ceremonial folding and presentation of the flag. Each veteran is honored one at a time. Afterward, families are welcome to spend time at their loved one’s Memorial Marker and take photographs.
To ensure proper coordination of military honors, please provide a copy of your loved one’s DD-214 as early as possible. This allows us to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs and local military personnel to confirm eligibility. We also use the DD-214 to help create personalized biographies for our Fallen Heroes page.
Day 3 - Dedication at Sea
Families will have the opportunity to travel approximately five miles off the coast of Carolina Beach to witness the placement of their loved one’s Memorial Marker onto the Veterans Memorial Reef. This typically occurs two days after the Fallen Heroes Ceremony, weather and vessel availability permitting. Final approval for placement is determined by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries.
Transportation to the reef site is provided aboard the Vonda Kay. Each family is allotted up to four guests for safety and capacity reasons. Families may also choose to charter a private vessel at their own expense. We will provide confirmation of the time and marina location once scheduled. Departure is generally at 8:00 AM, and guests should arrive at least 30 minutes early for check-in and accountability.
The trip to the reef takes approximately two hours. Upon arrival, the family vessel will meet the barge carrying the Memorial Markers. A final dedication ceremony will take place on site, including the reading of each veteran’s name, a brief nautical tribute, and time for each family to offer personal farewells, take photographs, and place flowers. We will provide flowers for each tribute, but you are welcome to bring your own.
After all markers are placed, the vessel will circle the reef before returning to shore. The round-trip journey usually takes 2–3 hours, but this may vary depending on weather and the number of honorees. Please plan accordingly for your return.
We strongly recommend dressing appropriately for marine conditions. The ride may be wet due to sea spray. Those prone to motion sickness should consider bringing medication, and all guests are encouraged to stay hydrated.
Veterans Memorial Reef Coordinates
GPS coordinates = 34° 06.319’N, 77° 45.033’W
Wilmington Area
Our ceremonies take place across three beautiful coastal communities: Southport, Wilmington, and Carolina Beach, North Carolina. These areas are known for their historic charm, waterfront beauty, and rich military heritage.
Wilmington, a vibrant port city on the Cape Fear River, offers historic downtown streets, exceptional dining, unique shops, and the famed Battleship North Carolina, a WWII naval museum. Nearby beaches—including Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure—are perfect for relaxation or exploration.
During your visit, we invite you to explore these welcoming towns and their many historic and military sites:
For more information about our commemoration process, please email chrissy.sanford@vmrplacement.org