Hillsdale American Legion Riders to host ceremony for Veteran suicide

HILLSDALE TWP. — Hillsdale’s American Legion Riders are on a mission to raise awareness of veteran suicide and the “ongoing cost of war.” 

Every day for the month of September, members of the Hillsdale American Legion family are gathering to add 22 American flags and solar lights to a static display in the front yard of the Leighr A. Wright American Legion Post 53, located at 1611 Steamburg Road in Hillsdale Township.  

Each flag represents a service member who has taken their life, said American Legion Riders Director Angela Snyder.  

“When you visually see those 22 lights there, it takes on a whole new meaning,” Snyder said. “By the end of September, 660 American Flags and solar lights will be on display representing a life that has been taken too soon.” 

The community is invited to join the Hillsdale American Legion family every Tuesday at dusk to witness the solar lights coming on and to engage in a conversation about veteran suicide and what’s being done to mitigate the losses.