From the first day of November through Veterans Day, in a silent and faith-filled witness, we will be hanging twenty-two sets of dog tags daily in a public remembrance of the twenty-two veterans who take their lives daily.

The burdens of war are carried heavily by our veterans. We hope to raise awareness of the ongoing impact of war on veterans and the wounds of body and soul that they can bear. There is a communal need for honest acknowledgment, careful tending, and genuine homecoming.

Growing by 22 sets daily, The Witting Tree will bear 242 sets in these eleven days and remain on the tree throughout the month.

  On Sunday, November 10th, at 9:15 AM, there will be a gathering in the morning at the tree closest to the parking lot in front of the church. An opportunity for members of the community to hang additional dog tags in remembrance of a veteran who took their life by suicide will be followed with a brief service at the tree. Most of the witting service is done silently and only takes a few minutes. Still, we hope the 22 sets of dog tags placed on the tree as a reminder of the number of veterans the Department of Veterans Affairs says die by suicide each day will send an unforgettable message.

We seek to demonstrate our concern for our foreign and domestic protectors in a public remembrance that acknowledges the wounds and provides an opportunity for healing.

Anyone who comes to the Witting Tree can participate.