When a local veteran committed suicide last year, Angela Norris wanted to do something.
As one of the founders of the Veterans Memorial Park of America, Norris is familiar with the stories of veterans. The park south of Whiteville honors not only local men and women who served, but all veterans who served in peacetime or war from across the country.
Some of those veterans, Norris said, are forgotten as they struggle with post traumatic stress disorder from their time in combat.
“We needed to do something to raise awareness,” she said, “and the ’22 a day’ monument just happened.”
Veterans Administration estimates that on average, 22 veterans a day commit suicide across the country. That number is considered low by some advocates.
While collecting photos and memorabilia for the Wall of Honor and the planned museum for the park, Norris has dealt with family members whose loved ones ended their lives because of trauma experienced in their military careers. When the community center is built at the park, Norris said, she envisions a wide range of services for veterans — including professionals who can give veterans someone to talk to during stressful times.
“We do not do enough for our veterans,” Norris said, “especially those who are dealing with mental health crisis. We need to do better.”
The black metal arch is engraved with the words 22 A DAY and NOT ALL WOUNDS ARE VISIBLE. The monument was made by Ryan Stevens of Full Throttle Fabrications, and will be installed at the Never Forget Garden at the park.
September is Veterans Suicide Awareness Month, Norris said.
“Our veterans need to know they are not alone,” she said. “We need to do better supporting them.
“Even one suicide a day is too many.”
The National Suicide Hotline, 988, connects individuals with counselors who are considering suicide. Veterans can call 988 and press 1 to be connected with someone familiar with special issues facing military veterans. You can also text 838255, or go to veteranscrisisline.net to chat.
The Veterans Park is located on James B. White Highway South of Whiteville near the New Hope community.
