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The City of Florence, in collaboration with Florence Christian Church, is organizing "The Witness Tree" event from November 1 to November 11, 2024. This daily program will commence at 8:00 a.m. on the campus of the Florence Government Center and is expected to last around fifteen minutes each day. The event invites community members, veterans, and their families to participate in this solemn occasion aimed at honoring veterans who have faced mental health challenges.
"The Witness Tree" initiative seeks to highlight the invisible wounds that veterans often deal with upon returning to civilian life. It also aims to raise awareness about the estimated 22 veterans who commit suicide each day in the United States. Participants will gather daily around the Witness Tree, placing 22 dog tags on it as part of readings, meditative thoughts, and reflections. By the end of the eleven days, a total of 242 dog tags will hang from the tree as a tribute to these veterans.
This display serves as a reminder of the mental health struggles faced by many veterans and underscores the importance of supporting their well-being. Visitors are encouraged to attend and participate by hanging military dog tags on the designated tree at the Florence Government Center.
For media inquiries regarding this event, Melissa Kramer can be contacted at 859-647-8177 or via email at Melissa.kramer@florence-ky.gov.
