Summary of HRES 737: National Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day

Bill Number: HRES 737

Title: Supporting the designation of September 22 as "National Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day" and recognizing the Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag.

Status: Submitted in House

Introduced: September 18, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HRES 737 aims to raise awareness about military and veteran suicide, a critical issue affecting many service members and their families. The resolution seeks to establish September 22 as "National Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day" and recognizes the Suicide Awareness and Remembrance (SAR) Flag as a national symbol for this cause. The intent is to honor those who have lost their lives to suicide and to promote ongoing efforts to prevent such tragedies.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes several significant provisions:

1. Recognition of the SAR Flag:

   • Officially recognizes the Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag as the nation's symbol for raising awareness about military and veteran suicide.

2. Commemoration of Lives Lost:

   • A commitment to remember and honor the service of military personnel and veterans who have died by suicide.

3. Awareness Commitment:

   • A pledge to promote awareness of military and veteran suicide through the SAR Flag.

4. Display of the SAR Flag:

   • Mandates that the SAR Flag be flown above all federal buildings alongside the American Flag and the POW/MIA Flag, every day of the year.

5. Designation of Awareness Day:

   • Supports the establishment of September 22 as National Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day.

Impact

The resolution is expected to have a profound impact on public awareness regarding the issue of suicide among veterans and military personnel. By designating a specific day for remembrance and awareness, it aims to foster community engagement and support for mental health initiatives targeting this demographic. The commitment to display the SAR Flag prominently at federal buildings serves to keep the conversation about veteran suicide visible and ongoing.

Legislative Actions

• September 18, 2025: The resolution was referred to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for further consideration. The timeline for further action will be determined by the Speaker of the House.

Conclusion

HRES 737 represents a significant step towards addressing the urgent issue of suicide among veterans and military personnel. By recognizing the SAR Flag and establishing a dedicated day for awareness, the resolution seeks to honor those lost to suicide while promoting a culture of support and prevention within the community.