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About Eternal Reefs
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Charleston, South Carolina - October 3, 2001
Eternal Reefs Inc. Launches First Community Reef in United States
Charleston, SC (October 3, 2001) -- Eternal Reefs, Inc. inaugurated the first Community Reef in the United States today off Charleston Harbor. Partnering with McAlister-Smith funeral home, Eternal Reefs, Inc. provided the City of Charleston with twenty-five memorial Eternal Reefs to develop local environmental ecosystems.
The Charleston launch was the first Community Reef in which twenty-five memorials with cremated remains were deployed at the same time. Prior to the Charleston event, Eternal Reefs Inc. has deployed individual Memorial Reefs in various locations off the Florida coast.
"The idea of having a reef as a place you can visit is much more comforting than a cemetery," said Don Brawley President of Eternal Reefs Inc, "Our partnership with the City of Charleston and McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, provided a unique opportunity for Eternal Reefs to offer individuals a way to give back to their environment." The sites are approved in areas designated appropriate by federal, state and local governments.
Eternal Reefs has become a valuable option to memorialize individual's lives. Eternal Reefs offers a dignified, respectful and environmentally positive substitute to traditional burial, cremation and ash scattering.
The placement of the Charleston Community Reef - October 3, 2001
The above plaques are mounted on the Pinnacle Memorial Reef to honor the City of Charleston and the individuals being memorialized.
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The families gather for the dedications
at 9:30 A.M., October 3, 2001. The barge is alongside the dock and the Pinnacle
Memorial is there for everyone to view and admire. |
| After the dedication a number of the
families boarded the Thunderstar boat to witness the placement of the Charleston Community
Reef, located about 2 miles outside of Charleston harbor. |
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As the Memorial Reefs are placed the
families watch from the bow. It took about an hour to place all 25 Memorial Reefs.
The Memorials were placed in about 35 feet of water. The Pinnacle Memorial
Reef is placed in the center and the other Memorial Reefs are placed in a circle around
it. |
| After the final Memorial Reef was
placed we maneuvered the boat to the exact area of the placement. Many families
tossed flowers onto the water as a final tribute. A reading of John F. Kennedy's
"The Sea" speech was read and a short prayer was given. |
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After the flowers were tossed and words
of peace were read, the Thunderstar headed for home. Many of the participants
were taking this time to reflect. Everyone left the event with a positive, peaceful
feeling that comes with Eternal Reefs form of closure. |
Articles about the Charleston Community Reef
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