News brief

Town of Oyster Bay dedicates day to Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance

Posted Friday, September 25, 2026 9:00 am

The Town of Oyster Bay has designated Sept. 22 as Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day.

Herald file photo

The Town of Oyster Bay recently recognized United States Air Force Veteran Kevin Hertell and proclaimed September 22, 2026 as Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day. Hertell, who lost his cousin Senior Airman Robert McRae Dean to suicide in 2016, is the founder of the nonprofit Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Flag Corporation. To honor veterans lost to suicide, Hertell designed the SAR Flag, which will be raised at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South.

“Today and every day we must acknowledge that ‘Not All Wounds are Visible,’” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino wrote in a statement. “We must continue to work together to build awareness around, and remove the stigma associated with, mental health and seeking treatment for veterans and civilians alike. Thanks to Kevin and his work, together we can all raise awareness of the resources available to veterans facing depression and other mental health issues.”

Veterans facing mental health issues should call 988 and use prompt #1. For more information about the SAR Flag, and for additional resources for veterans in crisis, visit SARFlag.org.

Report an inappropriate comment

HELP SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM

The worldwide pandemic has threatened many of the businesses you rely on every day, but don’t let it take away your source for local news. Now more than ever, we need your help to ensure nothing but the best in hyperlocal community journalism comes straight to you. Consider supporting the Herald with a small donation. It can be a one-time, or a monthly contribution, to help ensure we’re here through this crisis. To donate or for more information, click here.