Volunteers precisely arrange the rows of white crosses on donated land along northbound U-S 131 in Grand Rapids. Scott Harvey says they hammer in 22 a day:
“Representing 22 veteran suicides on average a day in the country.”
22 crosses every day for 30 days. Volunteer John Boylan says its partly to inform the public:
“Many people are unaware that in this country 22 vets on average every day take their own life.”
But they are also speaking to veterans.
“Why do you think veterans are particularly vulnerable to suicide?
“Well we have had 20 years of sustained combat and we have a whole generation of veterans who know nothing but combat. Combat, no matter who it is, it changes a person and they bring home demons.”
A memorial at the field of crosses is planned at 12:30 Sunday afternoon
“It is to bring awareness to veteran suicide”
“there’s help out there.”
