CACC honors veterans lost to suicide with We Remember ceremony

Malia Riggs

Elmore Autauga News

The Central Alabama Community College at the Prattville Campus hosted a ceremony this week honoring the veterans’ lives lost due to suicide, in accordance with National Suicide Prevention Month.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, where this whole month shines a light on what millions across the U.S. silently struggle with every day, including veterans. In 2022, 147 veterans lost their lives to suicide and thus 147 flags were placed in front of the CACC sign, honoring their lives and their sacrifices.

“There are a lot of struggles on the battlefields and after they get home. Hopefully we can watch for some of the signs and help the individuals to get help. No one person can do everything, but as a group, as a community, we can make all of our lives better,” Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie said.

The ceremony was held at the entrance of the CACC campus, and the flags honoring the lives lost were placed at the base of the CACC entrance sign.

“We participate in operation We Remember as part of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. As part of this, there are different schools and institutions across the state that participate. This month is Suicide Awareness Month. We obviously want to bring awareness to this month to help those in need, those that may be dealing with things that we may not understand,” Director of financial aid Stephanie Miller said.

The Presentation of Colors was presented by the Marbury High School ROTC program, and the AL 951 program in Autauga County with a recording of the national anthem to follow as well as a prayer.

After all 147 respective flags were placed, a recording of Taps was also played in honor of their service.

“One is too many. One person, one veteran, or one civilian is too many. So today, we bring that awareness,” Miller said.

In attendance was faculty and staff members of CACC including Miller who is CACC’s director of financial aid, assistant director of financial aid Susan Bryant, Prattville Mayor Gillespie as well as Senior Vice Commander of the American Legion Department of Alabama Willie Rogers.