Operation We Remember: Tribute to lives lost to suicide

A profound crisis looms large across the nation: the heartbreaking reality of Veteran suicides. Every state has rallied behind initiatives like the Governor’s Challenge and Mayor’s Challenge, fostering collaborations between federal and state agencies, aiming to combat this tragic epidemic.

In the heart of Alabama, a visual testament to this crisis stands tall, bearing the weight of lost lives and the hope for a brighter future.

Rear Admiral W. Kent Davis, state commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, eloquently expressed the essence of this endeavor: “We wanted a stark visual reminder of how Veteran suicide affects individual lives.”

Operation We Remember was born, a powerful initiative that seeks to honor and remember the Veterans in Alabama who died by suicide.

The visual impact of Operation We Remember is as striking as a field of flags, each representing a Veteran who lost their battle with suicide in 2021, the latest year for which statistics are available. It is a somber reminder of individual lives, each one a story, a legacy cut short by suicide. American flags serve as poignant symbols of the deep-seated crisis that has touched countless families and communities across Alabama.

Raise awareness and break mental health stigma

The significance of Operation We Remember goes beyond its visual impact. It serves as a stark reminder that the issue of suicide knows no boundaries. It affects the young and old, the rich and poor and Veterans from all military branches. The campaign stands as a collective acknowledgment of the struggles faced by some Veterans, highlighting the urgent need for support, understanding and resources.

Central Alabama VA has become a torchbearer for this cause, creating the moving display on the Tuskegee VA campus.

Operation We Remember is not just about paying tribute. It is a call to action. The goal is to raise awareness about Veteran suicides, break the stigma surrounding mental health issues within the Veteran community and create a robust support network.

“Ultimately, we’re hoping to raise awareness of the issue to get more support and link up the assets that can help Veterans overcome the crisis. So we don’t have to put out more flags next year,” said Davis.

This tribute gained added poignancy as it unfolded during September, National Suicide Prevention Month. It is a powerful reminder that while Operation We Remember is a testament to those lost, it is also a beacon of hope and a commitment to preventing further tragedies.

“Operation We Remember is not just a display. It’s a pledge. A pledge to our Veterans that we will remember, honor and support them, not just in words but actions,” said Central Alabama VA director Amir Farooqi.