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A large group of March for the 22 participants trekked from Maysville to New Bern on Veterans Day to bring awareness to the increasing rates of veteran suicide.
March for the 22 started in 2020 when Adin Colon set off to hike 22 kilometers for all of the veterans who have lost their lives to suicide.
Elizabeth Hartman and Charlotte Martin refused to let Colon hike alone, and a group of 10 people hiked the first year.
Since 2020, the route has expanded to include an additional 22-mile hike and a 2-kilometer hike.
March organizers said that, on average, 22 veterans commit suicide in the United States each day.
Data shows that veterans are at a 72% higher risk of suicide than those who haven't served, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
In addition to raising awareness, March for the 22 raises funds for the American Legion Post 539 through sponsorships and entry fees.
The local American Legion Post has been able to use these funds to provide food, shelter, and employment resources to veterans.
They've also been able to provide emergency support to veterans facing financial hardships by covering their rent, utilities, groceries, or gym memberships.
Wiley Lupton, a local veteran who has lost some of his brothers and sisters in arms to suicide, participated in the march on Monday.
"We need this (to bring) awareness to, I think, not only individuals, but it gets back to the commissioners, it gets back to where it's not just our money that supports this," Lupton said. "It should be the government, even though that's taxpayers, but they defended us and they need our help.
"I believe our government needs to understand that even though they're out, they need our help still, and it's cool that we do this in honor of that, but they (the government) need to do more for mental health and helping our soldiers and Marines coming back from the battles."
Chris Mitchell, another local veteran, participated in the March for the 22 for the first time this year.
"I have a lot of combat deployments, Iraq and Afghanistan, and a lot of us do come back with physical injuries, but, most of us, if not all of us, come back with invisible wounds, is what I call them," Mitchell said.
Mitchell was a company commander and since he left the military, he's lost 10 of his soldiers to suicide in about 10 years.
"To be able to do something to give back to raise awareness, to help veterans tackle those internal demons, means a lot to me," Mitchell said. "It feels like every step I take, every painful step I take, I kind of feel my guys watching over me."
The 22-mile hike began at the Maysville Piggly Wiggly, 707 Main St., and ended at Union Point Park in New Bern, 210 E. Front St.
Various launch points were set up for people to join the hike at any time.
The group also stopped at Moore's Olde Tyme Barbeque, 3621 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., for lunch and at Freshwater Beer Co., 904 Pollock St., for drinks.
This year, the Donna and Team New Bern real estate agency, and Bender Apparel opened a tab for hikers to enjoy cold drinks before they embarked on the final stretch to Union Point Park.
The hikers also received a police escort from the New Bern Police Department so they could walk down busy streets, like Dr. MLK Jr. Boulevard, and wave American and military flags.
Various sponsors supported March for the 22 this year like Trillium Health Resources, Navy Federal Credit Union, Evolve Dentistry, and Pilot John International.
Four Pilot John International employees participated in the hike on Monday, including Marine Corps Veteran Dennis Stucker.
"Twenty two suicides a day — that's 22 too many," Stucker said. "Seeing all the support out here today is much appreciated."
