Silent Watch event seeks volunteers to "stand" for veterans
Stark County residents from all walks of life will honor the memory of veterans who have died from suicide at the 2023 Silent Watch.
The local gathering, sponsored by the Stark County Veterans Service Commission, will include a memorial display and volunteers standing at "parade rest" at 15- or 30-minute intervals from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Belden Village Mall in Jackson Township.
De Ann Williams, executive director of the commission, said the goal is to show support for military families while raising awareness about the prevalence of suicide among veterans. Numerous studies have determined that 22 veterans die by suicide every day.
"One veteran suicide is too many, and so this Silent Watch is something that we will continue," Williams said. "We stand with the veterans in their fight. And that's what we're going to continue to do, and let them know we're here, and some of us understand. You're not alone."
When did the Silent Watch begin?
The annual observance began in 2018 after the Ohio State Association of Veterans Service Officers asked veterans commissions in Ohio to organize observances in their own communities.
Founded in 1866 following the Civil War, the Veterans Service Commission of Stark County predates the federal Veterans Affairs agency.
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"September is Veterans Suicide Awareness Month," Williams said. "And so, we try to really let people know, 'Hey, this is what's going on in our veterans community.' So, they asked that all 88 counties pick a time in the month of September and create what they call the 'Silent Watch,' and how we do it, would be up to us. So every county that has supported this, does it in their own way."
Williams said their Silent Watch display in the mall will include 22 pairs of boots from across all of the military branches, each with a single rose and an American flag, along with flags representing each branch of the military, and "watch standers" at each corner of the stage.
'It's very humbling. And it's powerful.'
Herself a two-branch veteran and the mother of two active-duty service members, Williams said some people's reason for volunteering is personal.
"They had a comrade that took their life, or a family member that took their life and so they want to stand that watch for them," she said. "Some people just want to stand that watch for their support of our veterans and what they've been through."
Dana V. Stilios, the Veterans Service Commission of Stark County's outreach manager and the wife of a Navy retiree, said that in addition to veterans and other individuals, a number of organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Boy Scouts, Save 22, Mission BBQ, and Blue Star Mothers also have participated.
She recalled a Korean War-era general standing watch from his wheelchair.
"We've had a lot of organizations that come out and stand," Williams said. "It's very humbling. And it's powerful. ... We've had a woman who was an Air Force veteran, and her son was home on leave from the Navy, and they stood a watch together. So, it's very personal."
Williams said a Silent Watch can evoke powerful emotions from its participants.
"I've seen people just break down and cry. Right in place," she said. "And so we have the VA there. We have the Vet Center there. We have a suicide-prevention coordinator there, and they'll take them to the side and they'll counsel with them. They're bringing their vehicles (mobile command center) this year so they can actually take them out to have a private session."
It also transfixes those who haven't served.
"I've watched people come in the main doors and their eyes are focused on you, and they point and they talk, and that's exactly what this is all about, bringing more awareness," she said.
How many veterans are in Stark County?
Noting that fewer than 2% of Americans are on active military duty, Williams said veterans aren't always connected to the resources they may need.
Stark County is home to 23,608 veterans.
"We just had two veterans commit suicide last month that we're aware of," Williams said. "We're helping their families ascertain benefits."
There's no clear answer as to why an estimated 22 veterans die by suicide every day.
"They don't want to continue to fight, and it's unfortunate," she said. "I don't know if there's ever a real definite answer. I know I've lost comrades and I still ask why, you know, 'I'm here for you. Why? Why didn't you call me?' When any veteran is in crisis, a comrade's going to step up and we're going to be there. We got your six, right? Not all veterans will reach out for that. And that's the unfortunate thing because I know if you put your hand up out of that foxhole, everyone's going to run and try to help you out of that foxhole.
"But sometimes, putting your hand up is the hardest thing."
Veterans Day salute at the Stark County Fair
On Monday, the commission will host a "Veterans Day" salute for Gulf War-era veterans at the Stark County Fair in Canton. It begins with a parade at 12:30 p.m., followed by a program at 1 p.m. in the pavilion. To sign up for giveaways, call 330-451-7439.
The first group of veterans honored were from Korean War in 2018. Vietnam veterans took part in 2019, while first responders and Operation Desert Shield veterans were honored in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The event was suspended in 2020 because of COVID.
"It's really hard to reach the Gulf War veterans because we're still working, and so getting the word out is a little challenging," Williams said. "And so we really want to encourage all of the Gulf War veterans to come to the ceremony, let us celebrate their service. And you know, they might even connect with some comrades. We've had that happen in the past, too. At the Vietnam ceremony we had, we watched people connect and we're like, well, this is so exciting. They didn't realize that their buddies had served."
Also, fair admission is free for veterans on Monday.
For more information about the Gulf War Veterans Day, or to stand a watch on Sept. 23, call 330-451-7439 or visit https://starkcountyohio.gov/government/offices/veterans_service_commission/.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Silent Watch event seeks volunteers to "stand" for veterans
