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Operation We Remember: A Poignant Tribute to Fallen Heroes

Operation We Remember
W. Kent Davis, State Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, CAVHCS Director Amir Farooqi, Tuscaloosa VA Director John F. Merkle and Patricia Ross, State Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Veterans Affairs stand solemnly before a sea of American Flags, each one a poignant tribute to a Veteran who tragically lost their battle with suicide in 2021.
By Tramel Garrett, Public Affairs Specialist

A profound crisis looms large across the nation: the heartbreaking reality of Veteran suicides.

Every state, including Alabama, 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, U.S. Navy (Retired), State Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, eloquently expressed the essence of this endeavor. “We wanted a visual reminder, a pretty stark visual reminder of how Veteran suicide affects individual lives.” Thus, Operation We Remember was born—a powerful initiative that seeks to honor and remember the Veterans in Alabama who tragically succumbed to suicide.

The visual impact of Operation We Remember is striking as a field of flags, each representing a Veteran who lost their battle with suicide in the year 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 the devastating effects of suicide. As American Flags flutter in the wind, they serve as poignant symbols of the deep-seated crisis that has touched countless families and communities across Alabama.

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 Veterans, highlighting the urgent need for support, understanding, and resources.

Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) has become a torchbearer for this cause, creating a moving display on the Tuskegee VA Campus. This display not only honors the lives lost but also serves as a constant reminder to the community about the gravity of the issue at hand. The field of flags, standing proudly amidst the Alabama landscape, signifies both the loss suffered and the resilience of a community determined to raise awareness and effect change.

Operation We Remember is not just about paying tribute; it is a call to action. The goal is clear—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 gains added poignancy as it unfolds during September, recognized 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 CAVHCS Director Amir Farooqi.