There has been a recent uptick in the number of American veterans who have taken their own life, and organizations such as the American Legion Post 927, The Memorial Mile and VALOR are partnering to raise money and awareness about veterans’ suicide prevention.

The Legion hosted its third annual “Keep Them Alive” Ride and Rally Saturday in Gilbert. Although the morning motorcycle ride was rained out, Legion members and guests gathered Saturday afternoon for a BBQ, music, guest speakers, and basket raffle inside the building. Various vendors were outside in the pavilion.

“This event is so important to us. We lose so many veterans each year to suicide. We had several guest speakers today who confirmed that veteran suicide is going up,” said Everett “Skippy” Shaver, Riders Director at Post 927 and a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel.

The ride was supposed to start in Carbon County, which has the highest rate of veteran suicides in Pennsylvania, he said. As many as 200 riders may have shown up.

“Our parking lot is packed. We have about 100 people inside right now, and more continue to trickle in,” Shaver said mid-afternoon.

September is National Suicide Awareness Month. Event coordinators invited three guest speakers, who spoke on the topic of veterans’ suicide prevention and shared alarming statistics.

The three speakers were: Dr. Lawrence Riddles, a senior physician with Lehigh Valley Health Network and a 35-year Air Force veteran; Dr. Angelique Cortez, a suicide prevention coordinator at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center; and Ed Transue, a 100 percent disabled veteran involved with Project Healing Waters.

“We’re not sure why the numbers of suicides are up. In one presentation, I learned how veterans are worried about providing for their families because of inflation, the current economy and food insecurity,” Shaver said.

The number of veteran suicides per day used to average 22 in Pennsylvania. But according to reports in military and veterans’ publications, the number has grown to 27 or 28 a day, he said.

Behind the buffet table were picture frames containing names of veterans who died by suicide.

Mark Baylis, co-founder of VALOR, said his grandfather Lester “Cliff” Morris’ name is on that wall, and that VALOR has one of the most effective programs. It is called Veterans Unstoppable, and it offers post traumatic stress resources to veterans.

As Ricky Smith & The Crush sang various hits such as “Jessie’s Girl” and “Play That Funky Music,” attendees mingled, put tickets into basket raffle containers, got more to eat and drink, and a few danced near the stage.

Outside, Evon Iskira had plants, leather purses and jewelry for sale. She wants to be a Legion auxiliary member.

“The rain dampened our spirits and canceled the ride. But this event is so important because we need our veterans so we can keep our freedom,” she said. “There is always something going on here at the Legion.”

Other vendors included Boy Scout Troop 102, A&M Novelties, Scentsy, Liz Drinkwater-Vazquez and her Doterra oils and natural products, Candy’s Crochet Creations, T Mobile and Down Home Metal Design.