Veterans Day is just around the corner and the Stronger Together Foundation is working to make sure the American Flag is proudly displayed in downtown Meridian ahead of the holiday.

Mike Couch, co-founder and president of the Stronger Together Foundation, said the nonprofit plans to present flags to people at several locations throughout the city over the coming days. Flags will be presented to Laura Carmichael, who is set to assume the role of Lauderdale County Tourism Director on Monday, Charles Frazier and Weidmann’s Restaurant, who has been a vocal supporter of the Stronger Together Foundation, and more.

Kicking off the foundation’s flag donations in August with a flag given to the United Way of East Mississippi and Community Foundation of East Mississippi, Couch said the goal of the flags is to bring patriotism and pride back to the community.

By donating the flags, Couch said he hopes to inspire Meridian residents to step up, take better care of their community and build a city they can be proud to call home. The donations also help spotlight local businesses and institutions that are doing good things in the community and raises awareness about the Stronger Together Foundation and its mission to reduce veteran suicide.

The Stronger Together Foundation was started in 2021 to bring attention to the number of U.S. military veterans who die by suicide. Couch said estimates put the deaths at roughly 22 veterans taking their own lives each day.

“This magnitude is not acceptable, and action is needed to prevent these tragic deaths,” he said in a written statement.

Couch, a veteran himself, said Stronger Together seeks to bring those impacted by veteran suicides together and provide resources and support to help families after their loss. The organization also seeks to draw attention to the problem of veteran suicide, raise community awareness and advocate for efforts to reduce self-inflicted death among military veterans as much as possible.

For more information about the Stronger Together Foundation, its mission or how to get involved, visit strongertogetherfoundation.org.