Birmingham, Alabama, September 6, 2025
News Summary
The Birmingham VA Health Care System is set to host its Annual Memorial Ruck Marches across Alabama, bringing attention to veteran suicide during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Participants will march in Birmingham and Huntsville, carrying rucksacks to symbolize the burdens faced by service members. These marches aim to foster community support for veterans and raise awareness about mental health challenges.
Birmingham, Alabama: Birmingham VA Health Care System Hosts Annual Memorial Ruck Marches for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
The Birmingham VA Health Care System is organizing its Annual Memorial Ruck Marches in two cities across Alabama to honor military members who have lost their lives to suicide. Set against the backdrop of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, these marches aim to raise awareness about preventing suicide among veterans and encourage community support for those who have served.
The Birmingham march is scheduled for September 26 at the Birmingham VA Annex Clinic, located at 2415 7th Street South. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m., and participants will hear opening remarks before the march kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Concurrently, another ruck will depart from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, also starting at 10:30 a.m. Each ruck march will cover a distance of approximately 1.4 miles.
Participants are encouraged to carry a rucksack or bag during the march to symbolize the weight of the responsibilities that service members carry. This symbolic gesture underscores the event’s core message of solidarity and support for veterans facing mental health challenges.
Operation Iron Ruck March Across Alabama
In conjunction with these local ruck marches, the Operation Iron Ruck March is taking place in Alabama. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the American Legion and the Campus Veterans Associations at the University of Alabama and Auburn University. As part of this initiative, veterans from both institutions will partake in a three-day, 150-mile awareness march throughout the state.
Participants in the three-day event will wear rucksacks weighing over 20 pounds, representing the more than 20 veterans who die by suicide each day in the United States. During the march, veterans will carry the ‘Iron Bowl’ game ball, which will be presented to officials at Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium at game time of the Iron Bowl. The march consists of multiple stages, with handoffs in various Alabama towns, including Tuscaloosa, Duncanville, Centreville, Lawley, Maplesville, Clanton, Verbena, Deatsville, Wetumpka, Eclectic, Tallassee, Notasulga, and Auburn.
Alabama’s Veteran Suicide Statistics
According to the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, Alabama ranks second in the nation for the rate of veteran suicide. This alarming statistic emphasizes the importance of raising awareness through events like the Memorial Ruck Marches and the Operation Iron Ruck initiative, which seek to foster community support for veterans in distress and promote effective prevention strategies.
Conclusion
The Birmingham VA Health Care System’s Annual Memorial Ruck Marches and the concurrent Operation Iron Ruck March are crucial events aimed at addressing the pressing issue of veteran suicide. By fostering community engagement and encouraging open dialogues about mental health, these initiatives strive to create a supportive environment for veterans and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Ruck Marches?
The Ruck Marches aim to honor military members who have lost their lives to suicide and to raise awareness about preventing suicide among veterans.
When and where will the Birmingham Ruck March be held?
The Birmingham Ruck March will take place on September 26 at the Birmingham VA Annex Clinic, starting with registration at 9:30 a.m. and the march beginning at 10:30 a.m.
What is the significance of carrying a rucksack?
Carrying a rucksack symbolizes the weight of responsibilities carried by service members and serves as a reminder of the challenges many veterans face.
What other initiatives are taking place alongside the Ruck Marches?
Operation Iron Ruck is a three-day awareness march occurring concurrently, with veterans covering a total of 150 miles while carrying heavy rucksacks to symbolize veteran suicide statistics.
How can individuals support the cause?
Individuals can support the cause by participating in marches, spreading awareness within their communities, and supporting organizations that work on veteran mental health issues.
Key Features of the Ruck March Events
| Feature | Birmingham Ruck March | Operation Iron Ruck March |
|---|---|---|
| Date | September 26 | Three days in September |
| Location | Birmingham VA Annex Clinic | Across various Alabama towns |
| Distance | 1.4 miles | 150 miles total |
| Significance of Rucksacks | Symbolizes burdens of service members | Represents veteran suicide statistics |
| Registration Time | 9:30 a.m. | N/A |
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Additional Resources
- WBRC: Suicide Prevention Awareness Memorial Ruck Marches
- Wikipedia: Suicide prevention
- WBRC: National Suicide Prevention Month
- Google Search: Suicide prevention resources
- WVTM: Operation Iron Ruck March Underway
- Google Scholar: Mental health veterans
- Obituary: Richard Berryman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental health
- Obituary: Cathy Tyler
- Google News: Mental health support
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
