To those families of servicemen and women who have paid the ultimate price in defending our freedom, our heartfelt sympathy and unending gratitude. They, nor you, will ever be forgotten, especially by those who served by their side.
As we commemorate the 150th anniversary of Memorial Day, let us shed light on those that will fall today. This message is about those that will succumb to our enemies today, on Memorial Day, and every day in recent history, at an epidemic rate of 22 every day. While we celebrate Memorial Day, at parades, speeches, cemeteries, picnics, poolside, there will be 22 heroes in our nation that fall to another enemy, in another battle. A battle that takes place in their mind and in their soul. A battle against depression rooted in unemployment, in divorce or lost families, in self-medication with pain killers and/or alcohol, in memories of unspeakable combat, or losing teammates in battle or suicide after, or in unending daily hurdles they simply can’t negotiate on their own, clouded by their own darkness and despair. Many simply believe no one cares or understands.
These men and women that fall today are heroes just like the rest. They deserve full honors and unconditional gratitude. And in their memory, they deserve for us to fight this epidemic just as we have fought other battles. Not one more, not tomorrow, not ever.
The Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation is one of many organizations fighting this fight. By reaching out to Veterans in crisis, by funding critical non-profits that bring our veterans into the light through a myriad of mental health and therapeutic programs, we fight by their side. Please help us help them.
If you know a veteran in crisis, contact us at email admin@paveteransfoundation.org. Visit our webpage at www.paveteransfoundation.org and follow us on Facebook to see the programs that are offered. Together, we offer hope and self-esteem, and begin eradicating this epidemic of Veteran suicides. For immediate assistance, contact the Veteran Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 Press 1, or text 838255.
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(Gould is a 1977 graduate of Otto-Eldred Junior-Senior High School, and from West Point in 1981. He is a career U.S. Army retired colonel, and now chairman of the Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation.)
