COLD SPRING HARBOR, NY | November 9, 2026
Twenty-two pairs of military boots, 219 name tapes honoring lives lost, and a flag created to raise awareness of military and veteran suicide are at the center of a new exhibit unveiled Monday at the Cold Spring Harbor Library.
New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern, Chairman of the Assembly’s Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, joined representatives of the Suicide Awareness and Remembrance (SAR) Flag organization and Assemblyman Charles Lavine’s office to introduce the exhibit. The display aims to honor those lost to suicide, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health treatment, and encourage veterans and military personnel to seek support.
The exhibit will remain on display at the Cold Spring Harbor Library through Sunday, November 15, 2026. Organizers hope to bring the mobile display to libraries throughout Long Island and eventually the New York State Capitol.
Twenty-Two Pairs of Boots, Hundreds of Lives Remembered
The exhibit features 22 pairs of military boots, symbolizing the widely cited figure of 22 veterans lost to suicide each day. It also includes the black-and-gold Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag, educational materials, and 219 military name tapes.
Kevin Hertell, a U.S. Air Force veteran and Founder and President of the SAR Flag organization, held the name tapes during the unveiling.
“These are name tapes of our brothers and sisters who died by suicide. And although I can hold it with one hand, it’s the heaviest item I’ve ever held.”
A Personal Loss Becomes a Mission
Hertell founded the SAR Flag organization following the loss of two cousins to suicide, including one who served in the Air Force. In an interview with Huntington Matters after the presentation, he described the personal commitment that has driven his advocacy.
“It’s been a hard, long, hard fought battle. But I knew it was going to be uphill from go. But I’ve dedicated my life to suicide prevention for veterans and military.”
The SAR Flag serves as a symbol of remembrance and hope. Its design incorporates a gold star, a bowed military silhouette, a memorial wreath, and a black background representing mourning. The organization advocates for broader recognition of the flag and greater awareness of suicide prevention resources for veterans and active-duty military personnel.
Assemblymen Stern and Lavine Partner to Expand Awareness
Assemblymen Steve Stern and Charles Lavine have partnered to fund the exhibit booths and identify additional locations for the traveling display. According to Elizabeth Papa of Stern’s office, Cold Spring Harbor Library was selected for the first installation because both Assembly members represent portions of the community.
“The message here this morning is that we hear you, that we see and that we all have an important role to play in fighting the stigma of mental health challenges that impact way too many of our nation’s heroes,” said Assemblyman Stern.
Assemblyman Lavine was unable to attend the unveiling. Darci Lindgren, his Legislative Director, spoke on his behalf.
“The 22 boots here today serve as powerful reminder that these are not just numbers. Each one represents a life, a family, and a community forever changed by the loss of a veteran.”
Lindgren outlined legislative efforts involving a Veterans Suicide Mortality Review Board, which would examine the circumstances surrounding veteran suicides, identify gaps in mental health services and support systems, and use those findings to develop more effective prevention strategies. She also discussed efforts to officially recognize the SAR Flag in New York State and legislation calling for the flag and a commemorative plaque to be displayed at the State Capitol. She expressed hope that these initiatives could advance in 2027.
The proposed permanent Capitol recognition is separate from organizers’ plans to bring the mobile exhibit to additional locations.
Bringing the Message Into Communities
Major Fred Nielsen, a Vietnam veteran and Vice President of the SAR Flag organization, emphasized the importance of community partnerships in expanding the organization’s reach. He thanked the Cold Spring Harbor Library for providing a public space for the exhibit.
The display also features information about Talk Saves Lives: Supporting Our Veterans, a one-hour educational program developed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Available in person or virtually, the program addresses suicide warning signs, mental health conversations, and ways to connect veterans with support.
How the Community Can Help
During his interview with Huntington Matters, Hertell encouraged residents to support the SAR Flag organization’s mission of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, suicide, and seeking treatment within the military community.
“Just by talking about it helps bring it out from the dark and into the light.”
Residents can learn more about the organization, support its advocacy efforts, or make a donation at sarflag.org. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention also offers educational programs and resources to help individuals and families recognize warning signs and support those who may be struggling.
Veterans, service members, and their families can access confidential crisis support by calling 988 and pressing 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Additional information is available at veteranscrisisline.net.
Photography by June Margolin and Elizabeth Papa – Legislative Aide, Assemblyman Steve Stern. Videography by June Margolin.
