New Resolution Designates September 22 as National Veterans Suicide Awareness Day, Mandates Flag on All Federal Buildings

This resolution is straightforward: it officially designates September 22nd as "National Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day." More importantly, it formally recognizes the Suicide Awareness and Remembrance (SAR) Flag as a national symbol. This isn't just symbolic window dressing; the resolution commits the House to posting the SAR Flag above all Federal buildings every single day of the year, right alongside the American Flag and the POW/MIA Flag.

The Flag That Demands Attention

This resolution aims to tackle the devastating reality that veterans are nearly twice as likely to die by suicide as civilians—a crisis that sees over 20 service members or veterans lost every day. By officially recognizing the SAR Flag, the resolution seeks to give this issue the permanent, visible platform it needs. The flag, created by an Air Force veteran, is intended to be a constant, tangible reminder of the commitment to stopping military and veteran suicide, honoring those lost, and supporting their families.

Flying the Symbol of Support

For the average person, the most visible change will be seeing the SAR Flag flying daily over post offices, federal courthouses, and other government buildings. Think of it like the POW/MIA flag—it’s a constant, non-verbal message. For veterans, especially those struggling with mental health, this visible commitment is designed to help break down the stigma associated with seeking treatment. If the government is literally flying a flag dedicated to suicide awareness, the hope is that it sends a clear signal that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a recognized part of service and recovery.

What the Day Means for Everyone Else

Designating September 22nd as a national awareness day focuses the country’s attention on the unique challenges faced by those who served. While September is already Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, this specific day ensures the focus zeroes in on the military community. For employers, this could mean increased opportunities to partner with veteran support organizations or simply making sure company policies are sensitive to the mental health needs of veteran employees. The core impact here is visibility and validation: making sure that the silent crisis of veteran suicide is no longer silent, and that support is viewed as a national priority.