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IAVA | October 5, 2018

Read: 5,520 American Flags Brings The Nation to Focus

On Wednesday, IAVA veterans, volunteers, and allies planted 5,520 American flags on the National Mall in Washington, DC today to represent the number of veteran and military suicides in 2018. It was a powerful statement that brought many to tears.

Our innovative advocacy forced all of America to stop and take notice. And despite all the madness in Washington, we captured national attention–and tremendous national media exposure. And it was supported by tens of thousands online via Twitter, Facebook and more.

We focused the nation’s attention on veteran and military suicide, opening up a wider discussion about access to mental health and suicide prevention services and how communities and everyday Americans can get involved.

See what IAVA leaders and members had to say below:

Paul Rieckhoff on MSNBC Live with Ali Velshi

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Paul Rieckhoff on MSNBC with Hallie Jackson

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Melissa Bryant, Tom Porter, and Patrice Sullivan on Arizona PBS

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In radio:

WTOP radio aired two interviews with Melissa Bryant on Wednesday

And in print:

ABC News: “Veterans organization places 5,520 flags to raise awareness of veteran and military suicide this year”

New York Times: “Jason Kander Withdraws From Kansas City Mayoral Race, Citing PTSD”

Circa: “More than 5,000 flags planted on National Mall to honor veterans who died from suicide this year”

Stars and Stripes: “Veterans group places thousands of flags on National Mall to draw attention to suicide crisis”

Military Times: “Advocates call for a renewed national conversation on veteran suicide”

Connecting Vets: “5,520 flags… one for every veteran who took their own life”

WNBK First News 27: “More than 5,000 American flags placed at National Mall to bring awareness to veteran suicide”

All total, this week IAVA reached over 50 million Americans (and several million others abroad) this week through traditional news media and another 25 million on social media.

See more photos and videos from this powerful #VetTogether activation here. And learn more about IAVA’s “Campaign to Combat Suicide” and all our Big 6 Priorities for 2018 here

If you are in need of assistance, our RRRP team is standing by. And if you are experiencing a crisis, please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838255.

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