FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) – This Memorial Day many Alaskans are firing up the grill, pitching tents or spending time with family and friends to honor the men and women who fought for our freedom.

For the unofficial start to summer, many enjoy a day off of work but it can be easy to forget the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Many Americans honor fallen veterans, but often the combat veterans who returned home physically safe go unseen. Memorial Day commemorations may trigger difficult memories for service members, veterans, and family members.

Many past and present service members experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which causes intrusive memories, irritability, sleep disturbance, and an overreaction to combat reminders. So, consider offering your loved one or friend who may have PTSD, support on a day that may be difficult for them.

There is still a lot of work that needs to be done to better support our service members and veterans. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs most recent report, an average of 17 veterans die from suicide per day in 2021. They also reported that veterans between the ages of 18 and 34, suicide was the second leading cause of death in 2021.

As we make the transition into summer, there are ways we can help support those we care about. June is national PTSD Awareness month. On Saturday, June 1, there will be a walk for suicide prevention at Griffin Park, called “Out of the Darkness”. Check-in time starts at 9:30 a.m. while the walk kicks off at 10:45 a.m.

Additional resources can be found on the Veterans Affairs website, by dialing 988 and pressing 1, or by texting 838255.

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