HARTFORD — Each day between Nov. 1st and 11th, the Rev. James Schleif, along with members of the community, will hang 22 blank dog tags on the Witness Tree in Bernd Park to represent the average of 22 veterans who lose their life to suicide during every 24-hour period.
According to Hartford Honor Guard and American Legion member Ron Schnorenberg, each day a service is held beginning at 9 a.m. in which Schleif speaks about the sacrifices made by these 22 veterans every day, and then 22 more blank dog tags are hung.
According to Schnorenberg, these Witness Tree services are an extension of a larger veterans’ support program called Warrior’s Journey Home: Listen – Speak Heal. The organization helps veterans acclimate back to civilian life after returning from their service.
Often, issues from war come home with these troops, and can cause many problems, mental and physical. These issues can leave these people feeling lost and distressed. As a result, an average of 22 veterans a day take their own lives. This program is meant to bring awareness to this issue, and offer people in need the support of the Warrior’s Journey Home organization.
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Schnorenberg spoke about the services, the goal behind them and their hoped-for impacts.
“It means that we can be aware of what’s going on,” said Schnorenberg. “It kind of helps us mourn their deaths, and encourage us to listen and observe when someone might be struggling.”
For more information, contact the Rev. James Schleif at james.schleif@gmail.com or 262-384-8124.
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https://www.gmtoday.com/daily_news/news/ceremonies-to-be-held-at-hartford-witness-tree-to-support-veterans-mental-health/article_e4a84ec0-d48c-5254-ab9a-7fbe0c46fe57.html
