The Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum 2122 O’Day Road in Fort Wayne, has announced plans to host a new monthly Suicide Bereavement Group to be held the first Thursday of every month at the Shrine from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. When a veteran dies by suicide the loss reaches far beyond one life. Fellow veterans, spouses, children and family members are left to navigate grief that can be difficult to bear alone. That’s why the Veterans Memorial is introducing a Suicide Bereavement Group specifically for veterans and family members grieving the loss of a friend or loved one to suicide. According to Greg Banicki who is heading up the group sessions, “The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports 6,488 veterans died by suicide in 2024. An average of 17.7 lives are lost each day, the continuing loss underscores the need for prevention, treatment and community support.” He continued to say, “We welcome veterans and family members who have lost a veteran friend or veteran family member to suicide. This group provides an opportunity to connect with others who share the unique grief associated with losing someone who served.” The Veterans Memorial offers three mental wellness support groups: Veteran Support Group -Mondays 5pm to 6:30 pm Spouse/Family Support Group -First Saturday of each month 11 am to 12:30 pm Veteran Suicide Bereavement Group- First Thursday of each month 5 pm to 6:30 pm Additional Northeast Indiana resources for veteran suicide prevention include FW22 inc., the Fort Wayne Vet Center, and the Fort Wayne VA Medical Center. To reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network which is available 24/7 call or text 988 and you’ll be connected to trained counselors. For more information you can contact the Shrine office 260-267-5022 at the Veterans Memorial or just come to a session on the given time and day. ...read more read less