LEWES, Del. - What began with just 22 crosses in early June grew into a powerful visual display of 660 crosses along Route 1 in Lewes — each one representing a U.S. veteran who lost their life to suicide.
The month-long tribute, organized by the nonprofit 22ADAY, was made possible through the help of the Delaware Knights of Columbus, who placed 22 new crosses each day. The display aimed to raise awareness about the mental health crisis impacting veterans across the country.
“There are approximately 22 veterans a day across the United States who commit suicide,” said Chuck Augustine of the Delaware Knights of Columbus.
The month-long tribute, organized by the nonprofit 22ADAY.
The display was set up at St. Jude the Apostle Church, which allowed the organization to use the church’s land for the display. Over the 30 days, drivers passing through saw the growing number of white crosses by day — and a field lit up by night.
“For 30 days… seeing the field grow, every time they drive by on their way to work or school or whatever — that's enough to make an impact,” said John Luker, secretary for 22ADAY.
Many of the crosses remained blank, while others bore names — handwritten by people who knew a veteran who had taken their own life. Luker said those named crosses will continue to travel with the organization to future sites around the country.
“When we saw the reactions that people had, especially when they saw crosses with names on them, it's no longer a statistic — but a matter of life and death for so many people,” Luker said. “Being able to contribute to saving lives is what keeps us going.”
Many of the crosses remained blank, while others bore names — handwritten by people who knew a veteran who had taken their own life.
The closing ceremony included children placing 22 American flags next to the crosses, community members listening to speakers, and everyone there singing “God Bless America.”
Luker said the group plans to return to Delaware next year — but this time in Millsboro.