What do the crosses at our Post 141 American Legion mean?
Several years ago, three Michigan combat veterans discovered they had something in common: A battle buddy or veteran family member committed suicide. They did a bit of research and soon became aware of the VA study that estimated that on average 22 veterans commit suicide every day. While that number is somewhat known in the veteran community, civilians seemed unaware that veterans were ending their own lives. The survivors developed a nonprofit aimed at reducing veteran suicide by employing several different strategies. One of their ideas was the Veterans Suicide Awareness Demonstration. Their idea was to put up 22 crosses a day, every day for one month. Their hope was that the visual impact of seeing the field of crosses growing relentlessly for a long period of time would impact the people who drive by the field of crosses every day. CIVILIANS have the power to direct Congressional efforts toward issues of importance to them. Less than 7% of voters are veterans, so the only way the VA will ever get a budget that will allow them to serve more than 25% of the veterans who need help is if citizens inform Congress that taking good care of veterans is important to the United States, not just to veterans. For 30 straight days in rain, snow or shine, the Legion Riders show up every morning at 1000 and place 22 crosses in remembrance to another Veteran life lost to suicide. |
Veterans Crisis Line Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Call the number below or click the box for help.
COMING SOON: New Veterans Crisis Line Number 988
Signed into law in 2020, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act authorized 988 as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. All telephone service providers in the U.S. must activate the number no later than July 2022; however, many providers will choose to implement the service sooner. Once a Veteran's telephone service provider makes 988 available, Veterans can use this new option by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the current phone number — 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 — by text (838255), and through chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat).
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American Legion Post 141
3265 W Grand River Howell, MIchigan 48855 legionpost141howell@gmail.com TEL: 517-546-2534 FAX: 517-546-2560 Sunday - Saturday 11:30 am - 11:00 pm |
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