Butler County 'Silent Watch' raises awareness about mental illness, suicide among veterans

HAMILTON, Ohio (WKRC) - A poignant display Wednesday in Butler County will raise awareness about suicide among veterans.

The Butler County Veterans Service Commission organized a "Silent Watch" at the intersection of High and Veterans Streets in Hamilton.

Starting at 7 a.m. volunteers stood watch over an empty casket. More than 150 volunteers will take 20-minute shifts until midnight. This 17-hour event symbolizes the 17 veterans who lose their lives to suicide on average every day.

Butler County Veterans Service commissioner Mark Applegate says a lot of planning went into putting on this event for the second year in a row.

"I just appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this," said Applegate. "This is near and dear to my heart. I've lost a veteran to suicide, so I understand the importance of awareness and making sure that folks know that folks are out there needing help."

There are mental health resources available from the Butler County Mental Health Board and the Cincinnati and Dayton VA at the event all day to help those who may need it.

"You never know when somebody needs help," Applegate said. "So, having those resources here to help those folks, if someone shows up and needs assistance right away, somebody is here to help them."

Marcy Gantt volunteered for the first shift of the Silent Watch. She says her husband's service in the Air Force encouraged her to sign up to volunteer.

"I think awareness is the first step," Gantt said. " Then, we can take action and really reach those in need -- the 17 a day -- to really replace that unacceptable statistic with a zero."

She wants veterans who are living with PTSD and depression to know that they're not alone.

'I've never served, but being close to those who have, I understand the pressure and the stress. They're called on to do things for our country that some of us couldn't do, and they come home and they need our support," Gantt said.

At midnight, the event will conclude with the presentation of the flag, a 21-gun salute, and Taps.