KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — To honor and remember veterans we’ve lost to suicide, the Infinite Warrior Foundation held their fourth annual “Ride to Remember” for Knox County’s Veteran and Military Suicide Awareness Day.
Their annual ride left from Knoxville Harley-Davidson stopped at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at John Sevier Highway and Lyons View Pike for a wreath-laying ceremony.
“I had several of my friends have committed suicide, and there’s just there’s not enough we can do to help prevent it,” said Infinite Warrior Foundation cofounder, Scott Botts.
When Botts helped start the Infinite Warrior Foundation, 22 veterans and one active-duty member took their life each day. Now, that number has declined by five on average, according to the Department of US Veteran Affairs .
“You know suicide, it affects everybody, and until we get it down to zero, we still got a lot of work to do,” said Botts.
He said their memorial ride is to remember the heroes we have lost.
“Those who have died for us, those who have given most of their lives. People like myself, and the men who are here, and women, that have protected our country,” said retired veteran Jim Phillips.
Phillips said he participates not only to remember, but to raise awareness about the prevalence of veteran suicide in our area.
“Personally, I’ve lost about four friends over my career from suicide,” said Daniel Newberry, a member of Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. “I miss those guys, so, I wish they were still here.”
Many of those who chose to participate in the ride share a similar story to Newberry, Phillips, and Botts.
“Our son was in the service, and on November 9th of 2018, he took his own life,” said Bill Gnerlich. “And, when I heard about this I thought it’d be a great way to not just to honor our son, but other veterans who have done this, and families that have suffered, and bring awareness to the severity of this issue.”
Although it was his first time attending the event, Gnerlich said it brought him closer to a community he didn’t know existed in East Tennessee before. Together, they want to make sure veterans who are struggling know they are not alone.
“I understand everybody goes through hard times, but your brothers and sisters are here for you,” said Newberry. “You have friends that are here for you, and you’re always wanted here.”
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