ALBANY, NEW YORK – An emotional moment at the New York State Capitol in Albany as a flag created to raise awareness about the alarming rate of veterans committing suicide is displayed. At the event on Thursday, which was organized by New York State Assemblymember Charles Lavine (D-North Shore), the Suicide and Remembrance (SAR) flag was formally presented to the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, Viviana DeCohen. Lavine is the sponsor of a bill A07657 designating the "Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag" as the official state flag for the raising of awareness of veteran suicide. The legislation and ceremony are part of a broader effort to break the stigma surrounding the issue of veterans committing suicide and to honor the service and sacrifice of New York’s veterans.

Joining Lavine at the event were Kevin W. Hertell, U.S. Air Force Veteran and SAR Flag Creator, Assemblymember Steve Stern, Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chair, Senator Michelle Hinchey (Senate SAR Flag bill sponsor); Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chair, and veterans from New York State, including Fred Nielsen, retired U.S. Marine Corps major of Glen Cove, NY.

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