By Machelle Stegner
Guest Writer
American Legion Post 532 Hayesville is hosting the third year of Carry the Flag, to call awareness to suicide. In our community and fellow veterans. Our moto: Be the One – to Ask — to Listen – to Reach Out.
With our focus that first year was to reach out to our veterans and to call awareness to suicide. Now three years later our focus has changed to our community and fellow veterans, with a moment that serves as a powerful reminder that there are steps we must take in looking out for our loved ones. The people in our community and those who have been impacted by the leading cause of death, “it’s time to take one big step together.”
Many suicides happen impulsively in the moment of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationships disputes or chronic pain and illness.
A time to remember the lives lost to suicide, acknowledge the millions more who have experienced suicidal thoughts and the many individuals, families and communities that have been impacted by suicide. It’s also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention and share messages of hope.
We invite everyone to join us at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 3 for a 2.2 mile walk at the Clay County Recreation Park. Sign up 8 a.m. with the walk beginning 9 a.m.
With a moment to remember the lives lost to suicide and the opportunity to save a life.