Music, food, raffles, and vendors set the backdrop Saturday for a far more serious mission: raising awareness about veteran suicide. The Be the One event, hosted at American Legion Post 927 in Gilbert, brought together families, veterans, and community members to honor lives lost and to push for prevention.

Post Commander Everett Shaver welcomed the crowd and explained the mission.

“Since the 9/11 attacks, the number of veterans who have taken their own lives far surpasses the number of American deaths that occurred during the entire Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and the global war on terrorism combined,” he said.

“We make up 7% of the U.S. population, yet we account for 50% of the suicides in this country. This has got to stop. But the most important number to the American Legion is one: be the one to stop a veteran from taking their own life.”

He added, “If we all save one person, collectively, we will save thousands. It has been called a campaign. It is a slogan, a phrase, an initiative. None of these words is appropriate to reflect what ‘Be The One’ is to the American Legion. It is a mission.”

That mission is to end the stigma associated with mental health.

“Veterans value courage,” Shaver said. “And it takes courage to ask for help. But through our buddy check outreach program, the American Legion does not sit back and wait to be asked. We take action and ask veterans if they are OK. That’s equally important as listening. The goal is to engage with a veteran in a manner that is affirming and compassionate. Pay attention to the responses, body language, and other signs.”

A solemn procession followed, with veterans and Gold Star families planting flags for loved ones lost.

Each name was honored as Zacheriah Taylor, Post 927 first vice commander and Riders director, saluted and rang a bell.

I stand with each of you holding a flag today, and pledge that I will always lend a hand to a veteran who is struggling with their family member, and to each of you, for taking on the task of planting our final 22 flags today. It means more than anything to see the support of this community.”

Beth Taylor urged her husband to share his own story this year.

“That one is too many. Twenty-two is ridiculous,” she said, recalling how she encouraged him to speak publicly about his struggle.

Taking the microphone, Taylor said, he referred to the offices he holds within the Legion.

“All of those titles aside, more importantly, I am a suicide survivor; I beat the statistics.”

He described his darkest moments after the loss of his father and grandfather, when he nearly took his own life. “Something kept telling me, Don’t. Don’t hold the trigger. You’re not done. I’m here to make a voice for those who no longer have one.”

Taylor credited treatment at the Coatesville VA for helping him rebuild.

“I’m still here because I didn’t give up, not because I didn’t want to. One of them is too many. Twenty-two is absurd. We have to come together as a community… Do the right thing and stand up for those who can no longer stand up for themselves.”

Other speakers echoed the message. Shaver emphasized Post 927’s outreach:

“One of the most essential parts of the Be the One mission is to destigmatize mental health requests. When you’re in crisis, come to us; we will listen to you. We know what you went through. You can talk to us.”

Eric Strohl of the band Suddenly Found said his motivation was personal. “Suicide impacted me when I lost my best friend and a band member.”

“If you look at the statistics, men’s suicide rates are infinitely higher than women’s. And that’s because men are supposed to be the ‘strong ones’. They’re afraid to ‘look weak’. I’m not going to lie and say I’ve never had those thoughts.”

“If I can help one person escape that black hole, I’ve done my job.”

Beth Taylor added that education is crucial for families. “There are too many families out there uneducated on how to be with a veteran that’s struggling. People need to learn to communicate and compromise to have a productive relationship.”

As the flags stood in the ground, Taylor reminded the crowd: “Our veterans should not be taking their own lives. We need to end this now.”

For resources, visit www.betheone.org or call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.