Suicide is a national public health concern that affects all Americans. According to the 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report 6,139 Veterans died by suicide in 2017. That is an average of 16.8 military suicides per day, a 6.1% increase from 2005, and it is still rising.

Until very recently, the public was aware of 22 veterans committing suicide every day. That is over 8,000 families in a year. According to a very recent report released to the public, there has been a 30% increase in military suicides since the beginning of the pandemic.

While the pandemic is certainly of top priority, it is important to not completely push aside other important issues such as this. White Star Mothers and Families would like the banner approved for displaying, not because they are looking for sympathy, but because they are proud of their loved ones serving in the military (just like Gold Star, Blue Star and Silver Star mothers/families are) and want to raise awareness to the public about the struggles that those serving and have served face. They want the general public to know that military personnel are human just like civilians, and not stoic, completely stone creatures that can handle anything without difficulty.

The Secretary of Defense needs to approve the White Star Banner for mothers and families of a loved one in the military that they have lost to suicide!