American Legion remembers veterans lost to suicide

Ceremony urges people to seek help before it's too late

Twenty-two crosses symbolizing the 22 veterans lost to suicide every day in the United States were placed in Zwaanendael Park in Lewes. American Legion Post 17 hosted a ceremony on Sept. 22 to raise awareness of veterans suicide. Dave Shook, Post 17 chaplain, left, and Alonna Berry, D-Milton, delivered remarks. BILL SHULL PHOTOS

Veterans and a service dog named Buddy pay tribute to veterans who lost their lives to suicide.

Dave Shook, Post 17 chaplain, left, and Alonna Berry, D-Milton, address the ceremony. Their message to veterans and their loved ones was, "You are not alone."

Bill Shull

October 2, 2026

Event Date:

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 02:40 pm

Veterans and a service dog named Buddy pay tribute to veterans who lost their lives to suicide.

Dave Shook, Post 17 chaplain, left, and Alonna Berry, D-Milton, address the ceremony. Their message to veterans and their loved ones was, "You are not alone."

There were 22 white crosses in Zwaanendael Park in Lewes symbolizing the 22 veterans lost to suicide each day.

American Legion Post 17 held a ceremony there Sept. 22, which is Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day.

Rep. Alonna Berry, D-Milton, is the wife, daughter and granddaughter of veterans. She said Delaware 988, a suicide and crisis hotline, is one way people can help a veteran in crisis.

"I ask that you make the call, send the text, sit down and have the conversation, check on the person that maybe you haven't heard from in a while. Remember that the small things matter," Berry said.

Dave Shook, Post 17 chaplain, said the community is there to support one another and save lives.

"For some, the day is deeply personal. Some are seeking understanding, healing and support," he said. "Whatever brought you here today, please know that you are welcome, you are valued and you are not alone."

Veterans and a service dog named Buddy pay tribute to veterans who lost their lives to suicide.

Dave Shook, Post 17 chaplain, left, and Alonna Berry, D-Milton, address the ceremony. Their message to veterans and their loved ones was, "You are not alone."