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• June 14, 2010
  Life After Life: Visit The Reef
  
  Dear Reader,
  By the tone and content of my new post entitled Life after Life: A Visit to the Reef you may think I am both obsessed and nonchalant about death. Probably true. And perhaps that by creating some kind of narrative I am better able to cope. Definitely true and blogging helps. And if you think I am attempting to be humorous as a way to detach myself from the uncomfortable realities that come with death as yet another coping mechanism, you are triply correct. Lets just agree that these mechanisms buoy my confidence and curiosity to proceed with this personal essay that is laced with a kind of journalistic reportage, and vice versa.
  The personal essay is a response to my mother who popped the cremation question. It answers the need to address the inevitable. With my parents racing to the endgame I am bracing for the moment. Having recently lost relatives, friends, beloved animals and tragically, children I have known, I guess I am already in that moment. In a way the moment forces acceptance and I am reminded that life + life= death, albeit a somewhat nihilistic viewpoint but true no matter how you slice it.
  I cant help but feel an individual experience of shared mortality as an observer of the world events. As participants of society arent we all reminded of death as we witness hundreds of thousands of unfortunate victims of disasters perish, soldiers who have been unlucky die, and for the poor souls who, before they take their own lives, are convinced there is something better in the beyond? The death toll includes wildlife, fish and birds which, among other species, get swallowed by sloppy oil spills! My apologies for leaving out anyone or anything from this statement which is simply to underline the avalanche of death imagery and sound bites we are exposed to daily. Mortality is fragile.
  The reportage line of this story was simply circumstantial. The more I learned the more fascinated I became and the more I got caught up in the true story of life after life underwater options! I thank the people at the Neptune Society (like Tricia, Amber, Jim) for their patience. And so here I submit, in three parts, a new bit of muse as a way to assuage the proverbial wolf at the door angst that inspired Life after Life: A Visit to the Reef.
  PART ONE
  My 85 year old mother leaves a message.
  Honey, would you call me? I got a letter from the Neptune Society.
  Interesting, I think, she usually calls about lunch dates, mail order steaks and Easter eggs.
  So Im curious. When I think of the Neptune Society I think of a tearful scenario in which people are standing at the edge of a boat throwing ashes overboard. Sometimes the ashes blow back into the faces of the crying and stick there.
  Mom, are you feeling okay? Normal question to ask when there is a reference to funerary details.
  Fine. What should I do? Did she mean with the letter, or herself?
  Gee Mom, are you getting ready? Did you get the call?
  No, I told you, its a letter, signed by someone.
  Thats not what I had meant, but it was easier not to explain.
  If I pay for it now it will be cheaper. She added.
  This did not need explaining, either.
  The Neptune Society is corporate big business. It is the largest cremation outfit in the United States. The Society literally banks on death and much of its clientele is the elderly the most obvious demographic preparing to die. Betty knows about the Neptune Society because she and her late boyfriends children scattered his ashes at sea off the Southern California coast. But for the seagulls, the captain and the family, they had been alone.
  
  That was six years ago. She returned home that day with loads of photos she had taken with a ten year old camera that she still uses today. I mention this only because Betty isnt one for change, or new technology, or the unconventional.
  It was odd behavior for my mother to talk about death. It was really out of character for her to consider what to do with her body afterwards. For my mother to consider cremation and a scattering at sea option was a surprise. Heretofore, mother addressed death by merely saying, Well Im not dying so we dont need to discuss it.
  I am glad the Neptune Society contacted my mother, and that she called me about the whole dying thing. In fact, talking about death and related topics fascinate me. Like who shows up at a funeral, alive of course, and what the rabbis, priests or family members say about the deceased. I wonder who is telling the truth, and who is projecting their own psychoses onto the dead. I like to watch who makes the funeral a narcissistic outlet as they talk about their history with the departed. Most of all I love to see who openly grieves. The experience makes space for authenticity.
  
  So yes, I like funerals. So maybe I am morbid. But mostly its because I like the realness and somewhat Buddhist acceptance that comes with death, dying and funerals.
  
  I dont love the idea of burning, said mother interrupting my dark daydream which is distinctly different from nightmares.
  But I guess I wouldnt know the difference.
  Thats right, Mom, you would not. But my sisters and I will, I thought. And were going to have to deal with that choice. So why not talk about it now?
  The burning thing is becoming more and more of a hot topic. In the near future statistics show that in the United States about 800,000 people a year will choose cremation with 30% opting to scatter their ashes at sea. Cremation is clean and responsible. Choosing cremation over interment, inurnment, or entombment is a green choice and a way to save the planet. Why pump embalming fluid into the ground if you dont have to? Save land and grow some trees instead.
  
  The way I see it, cremation will destroy my body or in this case my mothers, and that is sad and I will grieve. I believe the body is an encasement of her sprit which will remain. Can my mother actually be aware of all this? If so, bravo! Mother's phone call, like a permission slip, will enable our family to discuss after death options with her while she can. Best of all, the discussion makes way for intimacy. Even if the dialogue is somewhat fragmaented.
  "Send me a copy of the letter Mom, and let me do some homework."
  I jumped at the chance to begin an investigation that would eventually lead me to the "life after life" option.
  My Muse - By Alexis Deutsch-Adler
• June 01, 2010
  Neptune Society Donates Teddy Bears To Hollywood Children's Hospital
  South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com - One hundred kids at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital had their stays brightened after receiving teddy bears from the Neptune Society of Plantation.
  
  The Neptune Society, a national cremation company, started donating teddy bears in memory of the families they serve a year ago, said Jim Ford, the group's chief operating officer.
  
  The bears Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital received were in memory of Sandy Roberts, 21, who died Feb. 27. He was the son of Scott Roberts, past president of the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and an acquaintance of a Neptune Society employee, Ford said.
  
  The donation was a timely one for the hospital, which was "running extremely low" on teddy bears, said Vivian Briones, child life assistant at Joe DiMaggio. She said they're used during the hospital's "teddy bear tours," in which children about to have surgery tour the hospital and see where it will take place, and sometimes in the emergency room.
  
  "It came from the heavens," Briones said of the donation. "Oftentimes, they bring it back the day of the surgery; it's their little friend."
  
  Ford said the Neptune Society has donated about 18,000 bears to organizations and hospitals that serve underprivileged and sick children, such as Miami Children's Hospital, Broward Children's Center and Toys for Tots.
  
  "It's well received around the country. Feedback from our families we serve has been really positive," he said" It's just been a very heartwarming thing, really fun to help. I have a child, and it's really fun to participate in that. We really do enjoy the involvement."
  
  Briones is grateful for the donation. She said it's nice to get donations at times of the year other than Christmas, which is when most of them come in.
  
  "Most of the play room is 90 percent donations," she said. "For the most part, if they are generous in giving, we are generous in taking."
• April 08, 2010
  Neptune Society Gifts 100 Teddy Bears To Joe DiMaggio Children Hospital In Memory Of Sandy Roberts

  Michelle Nelson - Child Life Specialist / Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Jim Ford - Chief Operating Officer / Neptune Society Vivian Briones - Child Life Assistant / Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Albert Guerrra, Jr. - Service Area Manager, Florida / Neptune Society

  Neptune Society Gifts 100 Teddy Bears To Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital In Memory Of Sandy Roberts

  Plantation, FL, The Neptune Society, the nations largest independent cremation company, has donated 100 Teddy Bears to the Joe DiMaggio Childrens Hospital of Hollywood, FL in memory of Sandy Roberts, the son of past Hollywood Chamber Board President Scott Roberts. The Teddy Bears will be used by the Child Life department of the Hospital as part of their program to educate young patients about their individual health needs.

  Jim Ford, Chief Operating Officer of Neptune, said "Neptune created the Teddy Bear program because we wanted to provide health care givers with some sort of gift that communicates the love and support they have from their local communities. We have been giving out Teddy Bears for over a year and we have discovered that it provides great comfort to a child in need. Donating the Teddy Bears in the name of Sandy Roberts is the best way we can honor the Roberts family in the great community of Hollywood, FL"

  The Neptune Society is a member of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

  About The Neptune Society

  We are the nation's largest independent cremation company. Since 1973, The Neptune Society has been dedicated to providing individuals and families with the dignified, affordable services they deserve when they choose cremation. Today the company has 40 locations in 10 states, including cremation facilities, sales offices, and holding facilities and continues to expand services throughout the United States.

  The Neptune Memorial Reef, a unique, undersea tribute to life, is a re-creation of the legendary Lost City and is the largest and most enchanting man-made reef of its type in the world. Located 3.5 miles in Key Biscayne off the Miami Coast in 40 feet of crystal clear water, this environmentally friendly sanctuary is the first and only one in existence for those who prefer cremation, want to be memorialized and believe in preserving our planet's resources. It is also an awe-inspiring destination that has quickly become popular with ocean enthusiasts and environmentalists from around the world as well as scuba divers, boaters, marine biologists, fishermen and many others. The Neptune Society's corporate headquarters are located in Plantation, Florida.

  For more information on The Neptune Society, please visit us at: www.neptunesociety.com. For more information on the Neptune Memorial Reef, please visit us at: www.nmreef.com.

• March 08, 2010
  The Neptune Society Honoring Those Who Perished In Haiti and Chile Earthquakes In The Most Dignified Way
  Memorial Plaques Prominently Displayed At The Entrance To Neptunes Society Memorial Reef  An Artificial Reef Which Is Home To Fish And Wildlife
  
  Plantation, FL The Neptune Society, the largest independent cremation company, is honoring the innocent victims that were killed during the Haiti and Chile earthquakes with ever-lasting, memorial plaques at the entrance way to the Neptune Memorial Reef, this unique man made reef resembles the legendary Lost City, located just three miles off the coast of Key Biscayne, Florida. The Neptune Memorial Reef is 16 acres in circumference and 40 feet below the surface of the Ocean. The Reef houses the cremated remains of hundreds of people who wanted to forever be a part of the renewal of life.
  
  Daniel Peiretti, Chief Strategy Officer of the Neptune Society said,the Neptune Society wants to do its part in paying tribute to those who lost their lives and the families who survived them. Everyone has been touched by these two devastating natural disasters. The one major way Neptune can express its grief is by dedicating an area of our beautiful reef to the hundreds of thousands that were lost. The reef is all about giving back to the earth by feeding animals, plants, and micro-organisms. The Neptune Society felt this was the most appropriate place for the dedication.
  
  About The Neptune Society
  
  We are the nations largest independent cremation company. Since 1973, The Neptune Society has been dedicated to providing individuals and families with the dignified, affordable services they deserve when they choose cremation. Today the company has 40 locations in 10 states -- including cremation facilities, sales offices, and holding facilities and continues to expand services throughout the United States. The Neptune Memorial Reef, a unique, undersea tribute to life, is a re-creation of the legendary Lost City and is the largest and most enchanting man-made reef of its type in the world. Located off the Coast of Key Biscayne, FL, in 40 feet of crystal clear water, this environmentally friendly sanctuary is the first and only one in existence for those who prefer cremation, want to be memorialized and believe in preserving our planet's resources. It is also an awe-inspiring destination that has quickly become popular with ocean enthusiasts and environmentalists from around the world as well as scuba divers, boaters, marine biologists, fishermen and many others. The Neptune Societys corporate headquarters are located in Plantation, Florida.
  
  For more information on The Neptune Society, please visit us at: www.neptunesociety.com. For more information on the Neptune Memorial Reef, please visit us at: www.nmreef.com.
• March 08, 2010
  The Neptune Society Opens Miami Office-Providing Unique Memorial Options
  Plantation, FL. The Neptune Society, the largest direct cremation company in the nation, has opened an office in Miami, servicing Miami-Dade County and offering fluent bilingual counselors for both English and Spanish speaking customers. The new office, located on Bird Road, is the closest location to the companies Neptune Memorial Reef which is located 3 miles off the Key Biscayne coast. The man-made underwater reef is a unique option for placement of cremated remains. The reef was designed to look like the Lost City underwater and provides growth of coral and attracts marine life.
  
  Juan Gonzalez is Sales Manager for the Miami office, located at 6849 Bird Road, Miami, Florida 33155. (305) 669-4946. Office hours are from 8:30am to 5pm, Monday thru Friday.
  
  Tim Nicholson, CEO of the Neptune Society, said, We felt that Miami needed a dedicated office to serve the ever growing Hispanic market. We want the Miami-Dade communities to get as much personal service from us as possible. Our counselors are available for both pre-need and at-need requirements. We encourage all residents in these areas to stop by or call to find out more about what we have to offer
  
  About The Neptune Society
  
  Since 1973, The Neptune Society has been dedicated to providing individuals and families with the dignified, affordable services they deserve when they choose cremation. Today the company has 40 locations in 10 states -- including cremation facilities, sales offices, and holding facilities  and continues to expand services throughout the United States. The Neptune Memorial Reef, a unique, undersea tribute to life, is a re-creation of the legendary Lost City and is the largest and most enchanting man-made reef of its type in the world. Located off Key Biscayne in 40 feet of crystal clear water, this environmentally friendly sanctuary is the first and only one in existence for those who prefer cremation, want to be memorialized and believe in preserving our planets resources. It is also an awe-inspiring destination that has quickly become popular with ocean enthusiasts and environmentalists from around the world as well as scuba divers, boaters, marine biologists, fishermen and many others. The Neptune Society's corporate headquarters are located in Plantation, Florida.
  
  For more information on The Neptune Society, please visit us at: www.neptunesociety.com. For more information on the Neptune Memorial Reef, please visit us at: www.nmreef.com.
• March 08, 2010
  Neptune Society Dances To A New Beat As Sponsor of 93.9 MIA Disco Concert At The Hard Rock, Hollywood, FL
  
  Plantation,FL The Neptune Society, the nation's largest independent cremation company, wants to reach out to people in all kinds of new forums about Pre-Need or Immediate Need Cremation. That's why The Neptune Society has become a booth sponsor of radio station 93.9 MIA Disco Show this Thursday, February 25th, at Hard Rock Live, in Hollywood, FL.
  
  The concert, featuring The Sugar Hill Gang, France Joli, JT Taylor from Kool & the Gang, Tavares and The Tramps, will attract baby boomers from all over South Florida. The sponsorship also includes The Neptune Society's logo on the Disco Show web site, a booth at the event and several weeks of branding the Neptune name during commercial air time.
  
  Daniel Peiretti, Chief Strategy Officer, the Neptune Society, said 2010 is the year when we want to reach out to people in a totally difference atmosphere. We believe baby boomers, unlike most other generations, want to plan for their future. They have worked diligently their entire lives and they are very organized in how they want to spend their retirement years. They do not want to leave any plans undone. The Neptune Society wants to reach out to them while they are having good times. People can make better decisions and think more clearly. We look forward to this great opportunity,
  
  About The Neptune Society
  
  We are the nations largest independent cremation company. Since 1973, The Neptune Society has been dedicated to providing individuals and families with the dignified, affordable services they deserve when they choose cremation. Today the company has 40 locations in 10 states -- including cremation facilities, sales offices, and holding facilities  and continues to expand services throughout the United States. The Neptune Memorial Reef, a unique, undersea tribute to life, is a re-creation of the legendary Lost City and is the largest and most enchanting man-made reef of its type in the world. Located off the Miami Coast in 40 feet of crystal clear water, this environmentally friendly sanctuary is the first and only one in existence for those who prefer cremation, want to be memorialized and believe in preserving our planets resources. It is also an awe-inspiring destination that has quickly become popular with ocean enthusiasts and environmentalists from around the world as well as scuba divers, boaters, marine biologists, fishermen and many others. The Neptune Societys corporate headquarters are located in Plantation, Florida.
  
  For more information on The Neptune Society, please visit us at: www.neptunesociety.com. For more information on the Neptune Memorial Reef, please visit us at: www.nmreef.com.
• September 01, 2009
  Cremation companies aid sea life after death
  By James Cannon
  
  The tombs and other items serve as artificial reefs and promote sea life.
  
  Environmentally-conscious Jacksonville residents now have a local option to help reduce their body's impact on the planet after their death. The Neptune Society, the largest cremation company in the nation, offers traditional cremation practices and now something wholly unique: Customers have the option to have their ashes entombed in the largest artificial reef off the coast of Miami.
  
  "We offer the public a cost-effective and dignified option to traditional cemetery burials," said Sylvan Leizerman, the prearrangement manager. "Families can even rent a boat and watch the entombment from the surface."
  
  The Neptune Society recently set up office on Philips Highway and is planning its grand opening event Sept. 25.
  
  When finished, the Neptune Memorial Reef will cover more than 16 acres of sea floor about 3 miles off Key Biscayne. It is styled as a Greek "lost city," complete with pillars, statues, roads and gates.
  
  After the body is cremated, it is encased in a cylindrical concrete slab and is inserted in one of the many levels and areas throughout the reef.
  
  The prices for being placed in the reef range from $4,000 to $7,000, depending on the area, level and type of structure the customer selects.
  
  The reef houses 1,200 remains, but is still under construction and is set to hold more than 100,000 remains upon completion, said Lisa Lyon, a representative for the Neptune Society.
  
  The number of people opting for cremation over a traditional burial is steadily increasing every year. In 2000, the rate was 26.19 percent with 629,362 cremations, up from fewer than 300,000 people - or about 8 percent - in 1985, according to the Cremation Association of North America.
  
  Since 2000, cremation levels have increased about another 8 percent. They're expected to be more than 39 percent in 2010 and more than 58 percent by 2025, predicting 1,909,802 U.S. cremations in 2025.
  
  Georgia-based Eternal Reefs also offers underwater placement after cremation but doesn't have a central structure that houses the remains. Eternal Reefs offers individual and family-sized reefs that hold the remains, but unlike the Neptune Society, the reefs can be placed at one of several pre-approved sites for convenience. Pricing for Eternal Reefs' "Reef Ball" starts at $2,495 and can go as high as $6,495.
  
  Underwater placement is geared toward baby boomers, but is also a good option for water enthusiasts, divers, sailors and environmentalists, Lyon said.
  
  "We are helping the environment by not pumping embalming fluid into the ground," Lyon said. "What do you think that does to the soil and water surrounding cemeteries?"
  
  How families handle funerals has also changed, Liezerman said.
  
  "The philosophy of the family plot doesn't exist anymore," he said "Children are not opting to be buried with their families like they have in decades past."
  
  The Neptune Society also offers a less expensive and easier method of burial than traditional funeral homes and cemeteries, Lyon said.
  
  "Most funerals are now costing more than $12,000; caskets alone can cost upwards of $3,000," she said. "We also don't try to up-sale. When you purchase our package, that is it. It's all-inclusive."
  
  Each plan covers the services of a funeral director, transportation of the body, cremation and optional scattering of the ashes over the sea if a plot on the reef is not purchased. A standard cremation without the option to be placed in the reef is $1,669, compared with the $3,295 the Jacksonville-based Eternity Funeral Home & Cremation Centre charges for a funeral and a viewing, not including the cost of a casket.
  
  james.cannon@jacksonville.com, (904) 521-9234
• August 28, 2009
  Neptune Seeks Southland Splash
  By Mike Nolan
  
  As cremation becomes more accepted in the Chicago area, Neptune Society Inc. has seen demand for its services grow, prompting the opening of a second location in the metro area.
  
  The company recently opened an office in Orland Park, at 15111 S. LaGrange Road, offering not only cremation services but scattering of ashes at sea
  
  The Florida-based company said its services are less than a fourth of the cost of a traditional funeral and burial.
  
  "A lot of it (the increase in number of cremations) is the cost," Courtney Olesen, Neptune's Midwest area service manager, said. "Also, people are starting to be more green, not wanting to take up so much land space."
  
  Neptune also offers packages in which cremated remains can be scattered in the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean or Gulf of Mexico, Olesen said.
  
  The company also has created a 16-acre artificial reef off the coast of Florida that is being used as a repository for remains, which are mixed with cement and poured into assorted molds, including an oversized seashell. Burials there cost between $1,000 and $7,000, depending on what options one chooses.
  
  Olesen, however, said Neptune has seen few requests in the Chicago area for ocean scatterings.
  
  Neptune has an office in Des Plaines that's in an out-of-the-way location. The company sought a high-profile location in Orland Park in hopes of attracting walk-in traffic, Olesen said.
  
  Neptune's cremation facility is in Lombard.
  
  Neptune has about 40 locations in 10 states and is owned by BG Capital Group, a merchant bank based in the Bahamas.
• June 24, 2009
  City of sculptures under the sea offers final resting place(Sun Sentinel))
  Read Article
• June 16, 2009
  The Latest in Green Burials: Be Buried In a Coral Reef (Tree Hugger)
  Read Article
• June 10, 2009
  The Neptune Society Makes Eco-Friendly Afterlife a Reality (Trend Hunter)
  Read Article
• June 10, 2009
  What is the best way to go... Green Burials (elephantjournal)
  Read Article
• June 08, 2009
  Neptune Society Inc Receives 2009 Best of Sherman Oaks Award

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

  WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Neptune Society Inc has been selected for the 2009 Best of Sherman Oaks Award in the Crematories category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

  The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

  Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

  About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

  U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

  The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

  SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association
  
  CONTACT:
  U.S. Commerce Association
  Email: PublicRelations@us-ca.org
  URL: http://www.us-ca.org

• June 01, 2009
  Cremation society's teddy bears aid kids (Oak Leaves)
  Read Article
• May 28, 2009
  The Neptune Society is bringing comforting teddy bears to Chicago area children who are hurt, frightened or alone. (Skokie Review)
  Read Article
• May 27, 2009
  Ashes to Ashes (Fort Myers Florida Weekly)
  Read Article
• April 15, 2009
  People can also improve the ocean in death.
  Read Article
• April 01, 2009
  Burial At Sea (Miami Monthly)
  Read Article
• April 01, 2009
  Aquatic resting place [View Prime]
  Read Article
• March 08, 2009
  An interview of Gary Kilbride (onlinebvi.net)
  Watch Interview
• January 26, 2009
  See the world's first underwater cemetery (10Connects.com)
  Read Article
• August 01, 2008
  Neptune Memorial Reef (Morphologic Blog)
  Read Article
• August 01, 2008
  Press Release
  FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND NEPTUNE MEMORIAL REEF
  IS THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR THE LIVING
  ...AND THE DEARLY DEPARTED
  
  Memorialization Leader, Neptune Society,
  Pioneers Life Affirming Ecological Wonder Off The Coast Of Miami, Florida
  
  Ft Lauderdale, FL - The Neptune Society, the largest cremation-only services company in the U.S., announces a revolutionary new final resting place and memorial - The Neptune Memorial Reef -- that is as much for the living and the ecology as it a memorial for the deceased. Located 3.25 miles off the Miami Coast in 45 feet of crystal clear water, the Neptune Memorial Reef is an ecological marvel that spawns life as it celebrates it, attracting divers, ecologists, tourists...and those looking for a memorial of unmatched beauty.
  
  The Neptune Memorial Reef is a re-creation of the legendary Lost City that is the largest and most enchanting man-made reef of its type in the world. Covering over 16 acres of ocean floor, the life affirming Neptune Memorial Reef offers room for more than 125,000 remains, and is a "living city" that encourages marine life to converge and thrive. A recent Marine study concluded that marine life around the reef has increased 60% in just nine months and observed thousands of fish covering 35 species. It was created by visionary Gary Levine and famed designer/sculptor Kim Brandell.
  
  Stephen Ziadie, Chief Operating Officer, Neptune Memorial Reef, "The Neptune Memorial Reef is a first for the industry and a major step toward creating a new way for people to honor and remember their loved ones in a beautiful setting that reaffirms life and promotes marine habitat, coral growth and supports tourism. With the help of time and nature, this underwater memorial city will become a living reef of colorful marine life and coral growth that holds secure the remembrances of the dearly departed for all time."
  
  A first of its kind, The Neptune Memorial Reef is:
  

  • A memorial garden for the cremated remains of our dearly departed.
  • The world's largest and most enchanting architecturally sculptured reef.
  • An environmental and ecological masterpiece.
  • A world-class destination for divers and explorers.
  • A place for commemorating mankind's accomplishments.

  The intricate concrete and bronze structures were by conceived by Levine and Brandell to invite countless species of marine life into the city. In creating this special habitat, Neptune Memorial Reef will become a large and active marine research site, and its massive size will act as an undersea breakwater and reduce erosion from the ocean's floor.
  
  Ziadie believes that changing times and changing perspective on the funeral experience, make this an ideal time for the launch of The Neptune Memorial Reef. "We live in a more mobile society and one that is moving away from traditional services. Cremations now account for over 30% of all funeral services in the U.S. and that number is expected to rise over the next two decades. The Neptune Memorial Reef provides a natural setting for loved ones that is also a awe-inspiring destination where family can gather and enjoy."
  
  Neptune Society, and Neptune Memorial Reef
  
  A leader in alternative funeral services, Neptune Society, Inc. is privately owned by the BG Capital Group, a leading merchant banking firm. Since 1973, Neptune Society and its sister company Trident Society have provided consumers with a simple, economical and dignified alternative to the traditional costly funeral. Today the company has 38 locations in 10 states -- including cremation facilities, sales offices, and holding facilities - and continues to expand services throughout the United States. The Neptune Memorial Reef, a re-creation of the legendary Lost City is the largest and most enchanting man-made reef of its type in the world. Located 3.25 miles off the Miami Coast in 45 feet of crystal clear water, Neptune Memorial Reef is a design and engineering wonder that will attract divers, ecologists, tourists...and those looking for a final resting place of unmatched beauty. Neptune Society's corporate headquarters are located in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. For more information on Neptune Society, please visit us at: www.neptunesociety.com or www.tridentsociety.com. For more information on Neptune Memorial Reef, please visit: www.nmreef.com. ###