U.S. Veterans Spend Independence Day Diving With Sharks Near Jupiter

However you spent your Independence Day, it's likely it wasn't diving with sharks...but that's how a group of U.S. veterans spent their July 4th.

Many of those who took part in the Freedom Dive near Jupiter are Purple Heart recipients, including Army Veteran Chris Short who lost part of his leg in combat in Afghanistan.

"Fellowship in general is important. But with veterans, especially folks who've been in combat, it's just we have a unique bond. We don't have to even know each other and there's something that we have in common."

Other veterans tell CBS 12 News that they were lucky to have spent such a special day with special people.

"You know what? It gives you pride. It gives you pride that you're here with people who've gone through things that you have gone through," said Charly McDonald, a U.S. Army veteran who was wounded in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart.

The dive was free and sponsored by a number of local businesses and the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund. It's an annual event.