After sharing the hardships of his Vietnam veteran father, Daniel Colburn, organizer of the Flags for Forgotten Heroes event Sunday at Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge, said, “I made it my life’s goal to educate the public about veterans’ suicide and PTSD. I’m an advocate for them, and they need that.”
According to Colburn, an average of 660 veterans take their own lives every month in the United States, more than 20 per day. The purpose of the Flags for Forgotten Heroes event, which is in its second year, is to spread suicide awareness for veterans and first-responders. The ceremony included a representation of colors by the Rindge Veterans Association and the traditional playing of “Taps” in a moment of silence.
In addition, local first-responders, military personnel from every branch and members of the community stood at the podium to share their stories of how they were affected by suicide. Fellow veterans, mothers, brothers and friends affected by the suicide epidemic paid their respects by planting 660 American flags to honor each veteran’s life on the front lawn of the cathedral. The flag displays are hosted by the Honor Bear Project, and will be installed for a minimum of 30 days.
Six more American flags stood in solidarity to honor the 120 first-responders and 40 active-service members who die every month to suicide.
Colburn said hosting the flag display for all to see is part of his life’s mission.
“It’s what I have to do for my country,” said Colburn. “I help PTSD people with my service. I’m not looking to be a hero, I’m just doing what’s right for our country and for our veterans.”
Lynn Patton, mother of Army Sgt. Matthew Patton, shared her son’s story of battling PTSD and depression before taking his own life in 2013. Lynn Patton’s mission is to solve mental health issues, including PTSD, for active military personnel and veterans through her organization, the Matthew Patton Foundation.
Patton said her nationwide efforts to combat the mental health crisis among veterans is in remembrance of her son.
“Very, very quickly after his loss, I knew I had to do something to handle the pain because it’s so intense you can’t even believe it,” said Patton. “Every single way that we can act to prevent this from happening to another mother’s Matthew is what we do.”
Stratham resident and retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Don Bolduc has been advocating for veterans suffering with PTSD for years. He served 33 years in the Special Forces, surviving a helicopter crash and a deadly bomb explosion during his service, and described how leaders in the U.S. military and government are failing to acknowledge and provide resources necessary to combat the suicide crisis among veterans.
After losing three of his men to suicide and battling PTSD himself, Bolduc started an initiative alongside colleagues to advocate for veterans struggling with mental health issues. Bolduc, who is running for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, said spreading awareness about mental health and the importance of treatment are solutions to combating the national suicide crisis.
“Ninety-nine percent of men and women in my command went for help, and it made a difference, and it saved lives,” said Bolduc. “I’m not doing this for myself, I’m not doing it for another star, I’m doing it because it’s necessary for us at the top to take care of our people. And that’s how we (bring) down suicide.”
Bolduc also said the stigma around seeking treatment for PTSD and other mental health issues needs to stop.
“I’m proud to tell you I have post-traumatic stress, that I do get therapy, that I continue to get therapy,” said Bolduc. “It’s a good thing, it’s not a weakness. You are strong when you ask for help, not weak.”
Following the ceremony, Bolduc said he’s grateful to have a platform to advocate for veterans battling mental health issues.
“I’m honored to be here,” said Bolduc. “You feel reflected and humbled by the people that suffer with hidden wounds. We must encourage leadership to move forward.”
People who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or who has a loved one experiencing suicidal thoughts should visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at suicidepreventionlifeline.org or call 800-273-8255.