“A Light in the Darkness” VA Providence Observes PTSD Awareness with Reflection, Poetry, and Remembrance

By Justyn Charon, Public Affairs Specialist
VA Providence hosted a PTSD Awareness event that brought Veterans, staff, and supporters together for a moving afternoon of reflection and remembrance.
Held in the Chapel, the event featured a series of heartfelt poetry readings written and performed by Veterans. Each piece offered a glimpse into the personal journey of living with posttraumatic stress—capturing the pain, resilience, and strength that often go unseen.
The program culminated in a candle lighting ceremony, honoring those who continue to struggle and remembering those we have lost.
The event served as a solemn reminder that PTSD is not a solitary experience, and that healing begins when stories are shared and lives are honored. VA Providence remains committed to creating spaces where Veterans feel seen, supported, and never alone.