Pictured is The Battle Within monument along Buffalo Naval Park’s Heroes Walk.

FREDONIA — On Memorial Day weekend, in an effort to raise awareness of the hidden internal trauma and depression that many veterans return home from service with, the Brothers of Forest Lodge 166, and Dunkirk-Irondequoit Lodge 301 are putting on a breakfast to benefit The Battle Within Foundation.

The breakfast will be held at the Forest Masonic Lodge at 321 E. Main St., Fredonia, from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, May 30. The breakfast will be both drive-through carry out and limited indoor seating. The meal will consist of scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausages, butter, syrup and a juice cup. Those eating in will be able to be served coffee. The cost will be $10 per person, and tickets are available from members, or by calling 672-9464.

In the 46 years since the end of the Vietnam War, America has lost more heroes to suicide than have died in all other foreign wars and conflicts in that time period combined. Even with the assistance of family, friends, and professional help from veteran’s support groups, 20 veterans each day are lost due to complications from wounds and scars that are not visible to us.

Members of the Harmonie Lodge 699 Masonic lodge in Erie County had an awakening in 2017, when Capt. Peter Schank took his own life at the age of 30 while battling depression and post traumatic stress disorder after three deployments to Afghanistan.

Schank’s death brought a closer awareness of the issue to the Masonic community. On Memorial Day 2019, The Battle Within monument was unveiled and dedicated on a peaceful tree covered hill along the Buffalo Naval Park’s Heroes Walk. The monument, designed by Dr. Mark Donnelly, depicts the image of a soldier carrying the open silhouette of another, and the words “A tribute to those we will always carry, and those we can no longer hold.” A bench was placed in front of the monument, on which reads the simple words “Let’s Talk” as a reminder that the solution to all problems starts with a conversation.

Additional donations will be collected on site, or may be sent to Forest Lodge, c/o Battle Within Fund, 321 E Main St, Fredonia, NY 14063. Additional information on the foundation is available at www.thebattlewithinfoundation.com. Information or help, and caring support for all veterans or active military personnel is also available at www.veteranscrisisline.net or calling 888-273-8255 and pressing 1.