Stop Veteran Suicide Rally July 22 in Basin

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) compiled a suicide data report. The report showed there was an average of 22.2 veteran suicides per day in 2010.

From that report came several awareness campaigns such as Buddy Check 22 and the 22 Pushup Challenge. The numbers have gone down, but veteran suicides are at a higher rate than that of non-veteran U.S. adults (31.7 per 100,000 veteran suicides vs. 16.1 per 100,000 civilian suicides in 2020). The average is 16.8.

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 29 of Basin is hosting an event on Monday, July 22, to create awareness of the problem and support veterans. From noon to 1 p.m., the public is invited to the southeast corner of Fourth and C Street to wave flags and hold suicide prevention signs in support of veterans. 

The idea came from Auxiliary member Jerilyn Hall. A member of her family has served in each of the American wars starting with the Revolutionary War, so veterans are near and dear to her heart. 

Her father, Harold Patterson, was in the Fifth Marine Division on Iwo Jima during World War II. He witnessed the raising of the American flag both times. A lot of people are not aware that the famous photo used for the Marine Corps War Memorial was a reenactment of the first raising of the flag that day. A sense of patriotism was instilled in her by her family and her school days.

Those wanting to participate are encouraged to wear red, white or blue and bring a flag if they have one. Small flags will be available from the Auxiliary to use that day. Chairs and sunscreen are suggested. 

The Basin Area Chamber of Commerce will provide water.