Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon delivered the keynote address at the SAR (Suicide Awareness & Remembrance) Flag Remembrance Ceremony at the Heritage Center – NSYC in Mount Sinai on September 22. Lennon (R-R0cky Point), a major in the U.S. Marine Reserves, was joined by the leaders of SAR Flag, other elected officials, and representatives of numerous veterans service organizations and local civic associations during the ceremony.
September 22 has been designated this year, and in the future, as “Veteran Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Day” in the county. Lennon introduced the bill, which unanimously passed the county Legislature.
“We recognized this day today by honoring the families of two veterans we lost to suicide. However, we will continue to combat this epidemic as a community and fight to bring this number to zero,” Lennon said.
More than 100 family members, friends, and fellow Veterans to help honor Major Victor Gronenthal and Specialist Anthony Martinelli, both U.S. Army veterans lost to suicide.
A patriotic procession, led by a ceremonial unit and Color Guard from VFW Post 6249 in Rocky Point was followed by wreath laying and a presentation of SAR flags to the Gronenthal and Martinelli families. Echo Taps were performed by Rocky Point High School seniors Dave Alexander and Alexa LoPiccolo.
Founder and President of SAR Flag Kevin Hertell was present for the presentations.
“On September 22nd we observed ‘Veterans Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Day’ by conducting a Remembrance Ceremony for two of Long Island’s own, Major Victor Gronenthal and Specialist Anthony Martinelli.,” said SAR Flag Founder and President Kevin Hertell. “We gathered to honor their service to our country and forever remember their lives via the SAR Flag. By coming together on this day, we actively break the stigma of mental health, suicide, and seeking treatment within our warrior culture to facilitate suicide prevention for our nation’s warriors and defenders.”
U.S. Representative Andrew R. Garbarino (R-Patchogue) has introduced federal legislation to recognize the SAR Flag. “We must always remember that freedom is not free. Our service members put their lives on the line to keep America safe and often face immense challenges when they return to civilian life, including physical and mental health struggles,” he said. “Tragically, suicide rates are higher among veterans than those who haven’t served. No veteran should suffer in silence. We must honor those we’ve lost and take every step possible to prevent further tragedies. That’s why I introduced legislation to officially recognize the Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag and why I will continue fighting to end this epidemic.”
The long list of patriotic and Veterans service organizations which participated and supported the ceremony included Operation VEST, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), The Warrior Ranch Foundation, Paws of War, Blue Star Mothers, and the Patriot Guard Riders. Joining these groups were members of the Yaphank Civic Association and the Sound Beach Civic Association.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, who signed the resolution to recognize September 22 and to ensure the H. Lee Dennison Building was illuminated to mark the day, voiced his support.
“Every level of government must address this epidemic of veterans facing such dire situations, the healthcare industry, and our communities,” Romaine said. “These men and women volunteer to serve our country, leaving them so vulnerable is unacceptable. Thank you to Legislator Lennon, a decorated and active member of the military who has spent countless hours assisting veterans, for achieving this goal and putting a bright spotlight on the need to do more.”