Honoring first responders, military veterans lost to suicide
Rockwall, TX (October 21, 2024) – A crowd of more than 300 people, including first responders from across the state, gathered Sept. 21 for an unveiling ceremony of Heroes Memorial Park, located 1120 W. Rusk St. (66 Boat Ramp). The ceremony was a heartfelt tribute honoring the lives of first responders and military veterans who have died by suicide, bringing attention to the mental health challenges faced by those in public service careers.
First H.E.L.P., a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, partnered with the City of Rockwall to create this lasting memorial. Heroes Memorial Park is now open to the public, offering a place of reflection and remembrance.
Several days after the event, Karen Solomon, President, First H.E.L.P. shared on Facebook, “I’ve avoided social media for a week now while trying to emotionally recover from the most amazing, emotional, and significant event I have experienced since co-founding First H.E.L.P. I’m proud, happy, excited so damn thrilled for the families. Having a place of their own, seeing their loved one’s name etched forever in granite…there are no appropriate words to express my gratitude for those who helped accomplish this. For now, enjoy this and let your heart fill with hope and joy, your eyes with tears and your minds with the acknowledgement that mental health among first responders will forever be pursued so we don’t add more panels to the original 23 that are being installed.”
Photos: City of Rockwall.
Heroes Memorial Park: A Grand Unveiling added by Melanie M on
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