News Summary
Grand Rapids concluded its emotional 22 A Day memorial project aimed at raising awareness about veteran suicide, culminating in a ceremony that honored those lost. Over the month, 660 crosses were planted, highlighting the daily tragedy of veteran suicide. The event honored the veterans by reading their names and ringing a bell for remembrance, fostering community conversations on mental health and support resources.
Grand Rapids concluded its annual “22 a Day” memorial project on Saturday, August 9, bringing attention to the critical issue of veteran suicide. This month-long event aimed to raise awareness and prevent such tragic losses, culminating in a poignant celebration of remembrance.
Throughout the month, a total of 660 crosses were planted along US-131 near the LMCU Ballpark, representing the estimated 22 veterans lost to suicide each day in the United States. Each day, 22 new crosses were added, serving as a somber reminder of the ongoing mental health challenges faced by veterans.
The memorial is situated down the Boathouse Access Road, leading to the Grand Rapids Rowing Club Boathouse. During the closing ceremonies, the names of veterans who have died by suicide were read aloud, with a bell rung in remembrance after each name. This year, two new names were added to the crosses: Robert Long and Sgt. Michael Gibbons, highlighting the personal impact of this crisis.
The “22 A Day” project has been organized by the American Legion Post #2 and local community members for three years, evolving from its original inception in 2016 in the Ann Arbor area. It aims to not only honor those lost but also to promote dialogue surrounding mental health issues among veterans and encourage community engagement.
Scott Harvey, one of the organizers of the event, spoke of personal experiences with family suicides that motivated his involvement in raising awareness. Volunteers who participated in the project expressed a bittersweet emotion as it concluded, acknowledging the strong connections forged during the event. The overwhelming sense of community stood out, creating a supportive environment for all involved.
The American Legion Post #2 has been advocating for improved mental health resources for veterans, particularly as statistics reveal a growing concern over veteran suicide rates. The organization has plans to expand its outreach efforts using a trailer intended to visit southern and western states, promoting their message year-round.
Mark Chamberlain, Commander of American Legion Post #2, emphasized the need for open discussions about mental health resources for veterans. The family of Robert Long participated in the memorial’s closing ceremony, passionately advocating to eliminate the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues. They highlighted the importance of support systems for veterans and the impact open conversations can have in preventing suicide.
In an effort to further assist veterans and their communities, the “22 A Day” organization provides various resources for suicide awareness on their website. They encourage community members to regularly check in on veterans, fostering a sense of connection and awareness. Additionally, the American Legion operates a program called Be The One, which trains individuals to support veterans experiencing suicidal thoughts and provides them with essential tools to help navigate these difficult situations.
The “22 A Day” memorial concludes yet underscores ongoing efforts to confront the visible crisis of veteran suicide and to remind communities of their role in offering support and resources to those in need. As the project looks forward, it aims to keep the conversation active and continue honoring the memory of those lost while advocating for change and awareness.
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Additional Resources
- WWMT: American Legion Post #2 Veteran Suicide Awareness Closing Ceremony
- WZZM: Veteran Suicide Memorial
- Google Search: Veteran Suicide Awareness
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veteran Suicide
- CNY Central: 22 Crosses Placed Every Day for Veteran Suicide Awareness
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
