A bill sponsored by Legislator Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point), Major USMC Reserves, was signed into law by County Executive Ed Romaine on June 25 to have Suffolk County officially recognize the Veteran Suicide Awareness & Remembrance (SAR) Flag and have the flag flown on its own flagpole in Armed Forces Plaza at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge.
Lennon and Romaine were joined by Air Force veteran Kevin Hertell, the SAR Flag creator, as well as veterans, state and county legislators and officials, Gold Star and Blue Star family members, and other organizations supporting veterans and fighting the suicide epidemic.
“I thank Legislator Chad Lennon, a decorated combat veteran and current member of the United States Marine Corps for recognizing the need for mental health awareness and introducing legislation that will send a critical message here in Suffolk County. The SAR initiative signifies the beginning of hope in a place where veterans can find the help they need,” said Romaine.
Lennon thanked the county executive and his colleagues for their bipartisan support, noting that “the SAR flag flies as a symbol for the veterans in our community who may be struggling, that they are not alone, we see them, we are here for them, and we will support our veterans with whatever they may need.”