CHESTNUTHILL TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Thousands of veterans take their lives each year, and organizers say the goal of that display is to give people a visual reminder of the startling statistics.
Suicide can be a difficult topic to discuss for many, but for veterans, 28/22 News spoke with, having those difficult discussions could very well mean the difference between life and death.
If you've driven down Route 209 in Chestnuthill Township, you may have noticed an array of American flags in front of American Legion Post 927.
572 flags line the lawn, each one representing a veteran who has died by suicide in just 26 days. It's a sobering figure, and members of the legion say that's the point.
"As a veteran suicide survivor myself, the 22 a day has been socially acceptable, if you will, for the last 15 to 20 years, is beyond unacceptable," American Legion Post 927 Vice Commander and Riders Director Zacheriah Taylor told 28/22 News.
"Anything that we can do to raise awareness, raise people's ability to speak out, and reach out to someone and pull," American Legion Post 927 Member Michael McMurtry said.
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The display leads up to the post's Be The One Community Event on September 27. 22 more flags will be laid there, totaling 594.
Taylor, an army veteran and suicide survivor who served in Iraq, says it's not uncommon for vets to deal with mental health issues after returning home.
"We all come home with demons that, unfortunately, at times dictate how we think, and overcoming that is the biggest challenge I have found since coming home from Iraq. Unfortunately, the stigma that surrounds asking for help makes us seem weak to our fellow veterans, but in all reality, that's what brings us the strength to heal and to help others heal," Taylor explained.
While finding that strength may be easier said than done, both men agree that, veteran or not, you are never alone.
"If you're struggling out there, please reach out. If you know someone who's struggling, please reach out to them and ask them how you can help, what you can do," McMurtry added.
"It takes more strength to say 'you know what, I have a problem, I need help' and to reach out for the help. So do it, and again, it's okay to not be okay," Taylor stated.
The post will be holding its event this Saturday at Post 927 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Everyone from the community is welcome to attend, and all proceeds will go towards veteran suicide prevention.
