GILSUM, N.H. (NEWS CENTER Maine) — A tribute honoring veterans who died from "invisible wounds of war" is on display in New Hampshire.
"Flags for Forgotten Soldiers" features 660 flags, each representing a veteran the VA says dies by suicide each month in this country.
The memorial is located at the DV Farm, which provides long-term rehab for veterans struggling with homelessness and addiction.
Howard Berry started the tribute in honor of his son, Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Berry, who took his life five years ago. Berry said his 36-year-old son had PTSD after he was injured in the 2009 Ft. Hood shooting, but said his son didn't get the help he needed from the VA. He said the tribute allows families to pay respects to their loved ones who did not qualify for a military burial.
"We are planting seeds, that's basically what we are doing," Berry said, "and at the same time we are giving these families an opportunity to honor them."
"Flags for Forgotten Soldiers" is open to the public through the end of July at the DV Farm, located in Gilsum, New Hampshire.
The National Suicide Data Report by the Veteran Administration was compiled from death records from all 50 states.