LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — It was a powerful sight of solidarity and support in front of the Allen County Courthouse as volunteers worked to bring public awareness to veteran suicide.
As part of the “Silent Watch” display, both veterans and nonveterans stood beside a casket memorial in 15-minute shifts to honor those veterans lost to suicide. By standing guard, volunteers aim to increase mental health and emotional support for veterans. Organizers note that about 22 veterans die by suicide each day. They say many veterans suffer in silence, and they hope the display inspires the community to look after those who served the country.
“A lot of times, we're suffering in silence. Our veterans are suffering in silence, and people don't know. People don’t know what to look for, who to reach out to, even the veteran themselves don't realize that they have support, that their fellow veterans and their community... That we're all here to support them if they need help, and they can come here to our office and we'll connect them to resources,” says Tamara Wilson, Executive Director, Allen County Veterans Service Commission.
Wilson encourages any veterans struggling to reach out to the Allen County Veterans Service Commission.
