by Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Just before the 11th hour of the 11th day of November 2024, a large crowd congregated by the gazebo on the town common. Some played with their children or dogs, some enjoyed the hot coffee and treats that were available, courtesy of the Junior Women’s Club of Walpole. Some folks chatted with friends and neighbors, and others sat solemnly on benches or chairs. Every age group was in attendance: young children were holding onto their grownups, scout groups stood together, high schoolers gathered in support of both veterans and participating classmates, adults and seniors were seated or standing, many with cameras ready to take photos. All were there to remember and honor those who have served our country.
The ensuing 45 minute program featured speeches from local Veterans Service Officers and committee members, Pastor Anna Flowers, and Army veteran and keynote speaker Dave Campisano, among others. The Walpole High School band was in attendance, providing music for the event, as were many Walpole police officers, fire fighters, emergency personnel, town officials, and, of course, numerous esteemed veterans.
Campisano is not only a proud veteran but is the founder of 22Mohawks, a nonprofit organization whose goal is awareness and prevention of veteran and first responder suicide. “The number 22 is the number of veterans that die every single day. The mohawk is an action item, just like the ice bucket challenge for ALS. It’s an action item to get a haircut and support veteran suicide prevention,” he said. “Since the start of the global war on terror on September 11, 2001, there’s been roughly 7,100 combat-related deaths. And in that same time frame, there’s been over 135,000 veteran suicides. A study done by the Michigan National Guard found that organizations that provide dogs to veterans have a zero percent suicide rate…since the start of 22 Mohawks, we have paired 156 companion dogs (to Veterans).”
During the ceremony, it was announced that twenty new “Hometown Heroes” banners were hung this year, which included two father and son banners.
For more information on Campisano’s nonprofit organization, visit 22mohawks.com.
