Suffolk veterans divided on suicide awareness flag's possible placement at county buildings
Proposed legislation would require the SAR flag to fly at any county building where the POW/MIA flag is flown.
Kevin Hertell created the SAR flag to unify veterans toward a specific cause - including creating awareness and serving as a remembrance of members of the military who die by suicide.
He never intended for the flag to become a point of contention among vets.
The proposed bill in front of the Suffolk County Legislature would require the SAR flag to fly at county buildings where the POW-MIA flag flies.
Kevin says it would help to raise awareness, but also help to remove the stigma associated with suicide.
Other veterans, however, say while they are in favor of supporting the cause, they do not believe the flag should fly on the same flagpole as the POW-MIA flag. They believe it would distract and dilute the message that flag delivers.
The county Legislature tabled the measure after veterans on both sides of the issue spoke out at their last meeting. They are expected to take it up again next month.
