HADDAM, Conn. — Story by Caitlin Kukta, Haddam Killingworth High School
“It’s a crisis, it really is.”
When John Grosso, an infantryman in the Vermont national guard and paraprofessional at Haddam Killingworth High School heard that the town's Memorial Day Parade had to be canceled due to the pandemic, he took it upon himself to find a way to continue to honor those who serve.
With a walk supported by just a few friends and family, he started the tradition of the 22 mile walk that has continued and grown every year before Memorial Day. Grosso stated “We’ve added a scholarship through the high school so, now we have a scholarship for two students. Unfortunately, so we have the Joseph Parmelee and Hayden Steinhilper foundation. One of them served in the Marine Corps. the other in the Navy and through mental health lost their lives.”
Members of the community are able to donate to the Haddam Veterans Museum, Psychological research and raise awareness of the cause. Donations can be made by going on Facebook and donating through their website or through the Venmo linked on the posters.
Initially the walk was 22 miles to symbolize the statistic of 22 veterans losing their lives to suicide everyday however, that statistic has since grown and it is important that communities can come together to learn about the effects mental health can have.
“Suicide has always been a big topic and i feel like sometimes it kind of goes under the rug, not on purpose, but its just something that is a very sensitive topic so, we do it in a more family friendly way, and kind of brighten everybody’s day. Instead of talking about the hard facts we celebrate lives and it’s just celebrating what we have and continuing with that.” Grosso stated.
This year the event will be held at the Haddam Killingworth High School track, on Sun, May 26, with tents and activities set up for the day once the walk ends. “Even though I have never finished the full walk, every year I will be back doing whatever I can because it is a fantastic cause.” ParaProfessional Torren Callender stated.
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