NEWTON TWP. — Local non-profits groups Equines for Freedom and Marley’s Mission have joined forces to help another local area group, Vocal Veterans, in raising awareness to the issue of veterans’ suicide. Vocal Veterans held its monthly candle light vigil July 22 in conjunction with Equines for Freedom on the campus of Marley’s Mission, 2150 Port Royal Road.

Just prior to the candlelight vigil, Marley’s Mission presented 16-year-old Nicholas Giallorenzi, a resident of Clarks Summit and Eagle Scout candidate who has spent the past several months completing his Eagle Rank Project on Marley’s Mission’s Campus – the erecting of a lighted flagpole, sitting area and surrounding landscape. The U.S. Flag was raised for the first time just prior to the start of the Vocal Veterans vigil. Nicholas’ online fundraising page can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/zlcpfox.

Equines for Freedom provides equine-assisted treatment to current and former U.S. service members who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress, regardless of the source of trauma or their characterization of service, at no charge to the service member. More information can be found at http://equinesforfreedom.org/.

Clyde Brown delivers the flag to be hung on the grounds of Marley’s Mission during a vigil Friday, July 22.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_ABJ072316veterans1.jpg.optimal.jpgClyde Brown delivers the flag to be hung on the grounds of Marley’s Mission during a vigil Friday, July 22. Aimee Dilger | Abington Journal

Dave Ragan thanks 16 year-old Nicholas Giallorenzi for his work as a Scout raising money and doing work to erect a flag at Marley’s Mission.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_ABJ072316veterans2.jpg.optimal.jpgDave Ragan thanks 16 year-old Nicholas Giallorenzi for his work as a Scout raising money and doing work to erect a flag at Marley’s Mission. Aimee Dilger | Abington Journal

A flag is raised at the site of Marley’s Mission on July 22 during the Vocal Veterans Vigil.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_ABJ072316veterans3.jpg.optimal.jpgA flag is raised at the site of Marley’s Mission on July 22 during the Vocal Veterans Vigil. Aimee Dilger | Abington Journal

The Endless Mountain Barbershop Chorus sings the National Anthem on July 22 during the Vocal Veterans Vigil.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_ABJ072316veterans4.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Endless Mountain Barbershop Chorus sings the National Anthem on July 22 during the Vocal Veterans Vigil. Aimee Dilger | Abington Journal

Dave Ragan hugs Conrad Walsh after speaking of his suicide attempt on July 22 during the Vocal Veterans Vigil.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_ABJ072316veterans5.jpg.optimal.jpgDave Ragan hugs Conrad Walsh after speaking of his suicide attempt on July 22 during the Vocal Veterans Vigil. Aimee Dilger | Abington Journal

Nicholas Giallorenzi, 16, addresses the audience after raising a flag at Marley’s Mission July 22.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_ABJ072316veterans6.jpg.optimal.jpgNicholas Giallorenzi, 16, addresses the audience after raising a flag at Marley’s Mission July 22. Aimee Dilger | Abington Journal

Members of the audience listen to David Ragan speak about his suicide attempt on July 22 during the Vocal Veterans Vigil.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_ABJ072316veterans7.jpg.optimal.jpgMembers of the audience listen to David Ragan speak about his suicide attempt on July 22 during the Vocal Veterans Vigil. Aimee Dilger | Abington Journal

For Abington Journal

Information provided by Marley’s Mission.