Posted on May 7, 2015
CH (MAJ) William Beaver
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Units honor the fallen downrange and in garrison with memorial ceremonies. Many units do not distinguish how the person died. Yet there remain many strong feelings on both sides about whether we should provide battalion or company or none at all, for that matter - memorial ceremonies for those who suicided. What is YOUR opinion? If you are currently serving, what are your unit's regs?
Posted in these groups: B4caadf8 Suicide
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Responses: 13
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
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It's only right and just to salute the SM, not the manner of their death. Some people have demons that others can't even begin to comprehend which may be related to but not a reflection of their service to the nation.

Only caveat might be, based on circumstances, taking innocent lives then suiciding. Nothing honorable there.
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PO2 James Marlow
PO2 James Marlow
9 y
I agree, a service member who commits suicide is deserving of the full honors they earned. We live in a time when service members and veterans take their own lives at an alarming rate. This to me demonstrates how far we have fallen as a civilization
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SFC Stephen King
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Edited 9 y ago
I will be the first to tell you I have no problem. So let all the debate begin. If someone is suffering and thoughts drive consequences, emotions: what you feel, reactions: what you do, that doesn't negate or dismiss their service, they are part of a team our US Military. I have been to many memorials for various reasons and I also feel it is a right.
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CH (MAJ) Brigade Chaplain
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As an Army Chaplain, I've done both.  Bottom Line: My opinion does not matter. Ceremonies, by reg, belong to commanders.  (Which is why they can be mandatory, unlike a "service" which is religious in nature.)  No matter what caused our comrades to fall, be it the enemy within, or outside, their LOVED ONES deserve to see their service (if not their final act) HONORED.  Ceremonies are for the living, not the dead.  That SM's battle buddy needs that service.  That SM's widow needs that service.  That SM's platoon needs an opportunity to say good bye.
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SGT Jeremiah B.
SGT Jeremiah B.
9 y
You said exactly what I wanted to say, Chaplain!
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