August 2, 2023 By Carol Britton Meyer
The Select Board this week proclaimed Sept. 22 as Veterans Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Day, which will follow a SAR Flag Remembrance Ceremony Sunday, Aug. 6, at 11 a.m. at the Hingham Harbor Bandstand — hosted by the Department of Veterans’ Services.
The SAR flag will be presented to the Partyka family of Hingham in remembrance of the late USMC Sgt. Matthew P. Partyka during the event.
Following the ceremony, guests are invited to attend a luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. at the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall, 358 Main St.
Director of Veterans’ Services Keith Jermyn thanked the board for its support of the event.
According to Air Force veteran and SAR President and Founder Kevin Hertell, who participated in the meeting remotely, despite awareness campaigns and 24/7 crisis lines, suicides among veterans and military personnel persist “because we are trained to downplay or dismiss mental health issues, which can lead to suicide.”
The proclamation recognizes the importance of “honoring and supporting our brave veterans and military members who have selflessly served our nation with valor and dedication” and expresses concern about “the alarming issue of veteran and military suicide, a deeply troubling and preventable tragedy that affects the lives of countless veterans, military members, and their families.”
In issuing the proclamation, the Town of Hingham seeks to elevate this issue in the public consciousness and to raise continued awareness, “which promotes open dialogue and understanding about mental health issues among veterans and military members, breaks down the stigmas surrounding seeking help, and ensures that our veterans and military members have access to the necessary resources and support without judgment.”
The Select Board is calling upon residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations to join together on this day to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by veterans and military members and to commemorate those service members who have lost their lives to suicide.
For more information, go to https://sarflag.org/.