Copyright Live 5 News WCSC
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story contains discussion about suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available by calling 988. NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Veterans filled the North Charleston Performing Arts Center on Monday for a Veterans Day ceremony that celebrated service while addressing the ongoing mental health crisis facing former service members. Michael Cortright, a retired veteran who served for more than 30 years, distributed small American flags to attendees as part of his effort to raise awareness about veteran suicide rates. “Many people don’t know that 22 people a day commit suicide. Multiply that by 365, that’s over 8,000 veterans killing themselves every year, and it might just take you talking to another veteran,” Cortright said. “I call it make a friend, save a life.” Cortright said his advocacy stems from personal experience. His nephew died by suicide while both were serving in the reserves. “My nephew hung himself in his basement. I was in the reserves with him at the time and stood right beside him. I had no idea,” Cortright said. “You can’t look at someone and tell that they’re disturbed or anxious or whatever is influencing them. You gotta talk to them. That’s why I say make a friend, save a life.” The ceremony included a missing man table to honor fallen veterans. Cortright said the small flags he distributed recognize the nearly 130 veteran suicide deaths in South Carolina. “It’s a sacrifice, it’s not just a sacrifice for the veterans but also for the wives and families,” Michael said. “I can’t tell you how many times I missed my son’s football game because I was deployed throughout the world.” Cortright continues his service through food drives and caretaking, saying service remains in his blood. Some attendees wore the names of fallen loved ones stitched on their clothing as reminders of those lost. “I think every one of us knows someone who lost their lives prematurely,” Cortright said.
