Heroes of Suicide march and vigil set for this Sunday at Todmorden Legion Branch

By MATTHEW STEPHENS

For 365 days a year, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), First Responders, and other public servants dedicate their lives to preserve the many freedoms Canadians experience in their daily lives.

During their time in service, many find themselves dealing with the lasting impacts of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and as a result, lose their lives to suicide and self-harm.

This Sunday, Sept. 28, the Royal Canadian Legion, Todmorden Branch 10 will host its 10th annual Heroes of Suicide Memorial March and Candlelight Vigil in honour of those dealing with the impacts of PTSD.

Community members are invited to take part by lining the parade route and attending the vigil.

“So many people struggle with their mental health. And those men and women who serve, who put on the uniform – whether it’s military or police—it can be stressful. Sometimes, just being an ear and listening to somebody, prevents them from taking that final step,” said Todmorden Legion Branch President PJ O’Neill.

Sunday’s march begins at 6:30 p.m., heading west along Gamble Avenue from Todmorden Lane to Pape Avenue, then north on Pape Avenue to Woodville Avenue, before ending at Todmorden Branch 10 at 1083 Pape Ave.

Following the march, the vigil will start at 7 p.m.

Along with the placing of wreaths, the vigil will include a torch passing from older to newer generations of the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as a rededication of the Soldiers of Suicide (SOS) Memorial Plaque, and a bell toll for veterans and first responders. Candles will be lit and placed in remembrance of those who have lost their lives in service to the country.

Suicide Prevention Month is in September and it serves as a time to raise awareness and show support to those dealing with mental illnesses and disorders such as PTSD.

Todmorden Branch 10 is committed to ensuring access to support and services, offering support to families of the fallen, and continuously raising awareness of Operational Stress Injuries and PTSD within the community.

According to the Canadian government’s 2024 Report on Suicide Mortality in the Canadian Armed Forces, more than 240 members in the CAF died by suicide between 1995 and 2023, with 17 occurring in 2023.

In the broader scope, each year, approximately 4,500 people in Canada die by suicide, each year, which is equivalent to 12 people lost to suicide every day.

According to the government website, for every death by suicide, approximately seven to 10 loved ones are significantly affected by the loss.

Todmorden Branch 10 hopes that by raising awareness, those in need will have knowledge and support provided to alleviate the pressure on both themselves and those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

“We want to raise awareness in the community as to the different things that PTSD can result in, which can include death by suicide. We want to let families know that their loved ones aren’t forgotten,” said Todmorden Branch 10 Secretary and Heroes of Suicide coordinator Lily Phillips.

For more information about the Heroes of Suicide Memorial March and Candlelight Vigil, go to https://heroesofsuicide.ca

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline.