Webster recognizes Sept. 25 to Oct. 2 as Veteran Suicide Prevention Week
Rep. Joe Webster September 23, 2025 | 2:14 PM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 17 – State Rep. Joe Webster, D-Montgomery, in partnership with Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Suicide Prevention Task Force, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, announced the recognition of Veteran Suicide Prevention Week in Pennsylvania, beginning Thursday, Sept. 25, and concluding Thursday, Oct. 2.
Veteran Suicide Prevention Week acknowledges the tragedy of veteran suicide, promotes available resources for veterans, and highlights the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. As of 2022, suicide was the 12th leading cause of death for veterans overall and the second-leading cause for veterans under 45. Each day, 17 veterans die by suicide in the United States, and annually, approximately 250 veterans die by suicide in Pennsylvania.
Throughout the week, Webster and partner organizations will hold events to honor veterans who have died by suicide and recognize the unwavering service of all veterans to the country. Events include the issuance of a proclamation declaring Sept. 25–Oct. 2 as Veteran Suicide Prevention Week, a Witting Tree dedication, and a flag-raising ceremony.
“Veterans represent a level of excellence that we need to match. Shedding light on the mental health and life challenges our veterans face is essential, and every effort to do so—no matter how small—can save a life,” said Webster, a retired Air Force colonel. “Our goal is to continue raising awareness about veteran suicide, highlight the support services available to our veterans, and send a clear message that help is never out of reach.”
At 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, Webster and the Montgomery County commissioners will issue proclamations declaring Sept. 25–Oct. 2 as Veterans’ Suicide Prevention Week in Montgomery County.
That same day, Webster will host a Witting Tree dedication beginning at 2 p.m. at Lower Providence Community Library, 50 Parklane Drive, Eagleville. The event will feature a brief program of speakers on veteran mental health and the placement of 17 dog tags to symbolize the daily number of veterans lost to suicide. It is open to veterans and first responders. The public is invited to view the Witting Tree beginning at 4 p.m. on Sept. 25 and continuing until sundown Saturday, Oct. 4. The Witting Tree stands as a powerful tribute to raise awareness of veteran suicide and spark vital conversations about prevention.
At 12 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, a U.S. flag-raising ceremony will be held at the Montgomery County Courthouse, 2 E. Airy St., Norristown. The event is open to the public and requires no RSVP. In attendance will be Rep. Webster, the Montgomery County commissioners, members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, county row officers, and staff. VA and Montgomery County Suicide Prevention Task Force professionals will be on site to offer resources. The ceremony honors Montgomery County veterans lost to suicide and raises awareness of prevention services.
“I urge everyone to join us at these events and share these vital resources with the veterans in their lives,” said Webster.
For inquiries, call Webster’s office at 484-200-8263 or email RepWebster@pahouse.net.