The nation’s first underwater veterans memorial just opened in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida, and it includes a dozen concrete statues that are six feet tall.

The Circle of Heroes’ opening ceremony took place on Monday, when dozens of divers, including veteran amputees, swam down 40 feet to see the memorial. The statues wear the bronze emblems of five military branches, representing the men and women from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. They are set to permanently remain at Veteran’s Reef, which is about ten miles west of Clearwater.

The fundraising for the memorial was led by Brighter Future Florida, the nonprofit of former Congressman David Jolly, whose uncle Heyward Matthews designed it. Matthews is a professor of oceanography at St. Petersburg College. The nonprofit raised $150,000 for it, while Pinellas County donated $50,000.

“This underwater exhibit featuring our nation’s heroes will also help sustain marine life in our Gulf waters by serving as an artificial reef,” said Jolly. “I also thank my uncle, Dr. Heyward Mathews, for creating the concept, and for his dedication to growing the dive community and tourism in our region.”

Twelve more statues are scheduled to be installed next year, completing the 100 foot monument.

“With the nation’s first underwater memorial, we are shining the spotlight on the importance of remembering those who have fought to protect our freedoms,” said Pinellas County Board Chair Karen Seel. “People around the world will visit this iconic site, increasing dive-related tourism and helping businesses grow in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area.”

Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., described the memorial’s opening as a “momentous day.”

“Most importantly, we’re honoring our heroes with an indelible legacy that will be admired for generations,” he said. “This treasure of the Gulf will forever remind us of their sacrifices and their service to our country.”