Be the One Walk

It is estimated that up to 22 veterans or service members take their lives each day.  This walk is part of the American Legion's Mission and an initiative involving multiple communities that will help build awareness about the crisis, destigmatize asking for mental health support, and will introduce participants to resources available to veterans who are possibly struggling.

The walk, which is hosted by the DeKalb American Legion Post 66, will begin at 10:00 am with a welcome and overview, and activities are expected to end by 12:00 noon.  

Registration/Check In will begin at 9:00 am.  If you do not register online prior to the day of the walk, you can register on site on that day....bring your last-minute friends with you!

The walk is 2.2 miles on sidewalks and asphalt pathways.  There is a 1-mile circuit available as well for those who cannot or do not wish to walk 2.2 miles.

If you do not wish to walk or are unable to walk, please still register to enjoy a beautiful day with friends and participate in other activities. Activities available on the patio and in the classrooms during that time frame will include Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Labyrinth Meditation, and multiple exhibits for you to visit with information focusing on veteran mental health support and services.

Refreshments will be available prior to the walk...apples from the orchard, oranges, and granola bars, as well as the much needed morning coffee.  Pizza and cookies donated by community businesses will also be available following the walk. 

22 rocks will be carried in the walk, representing the loss of 22 lives/day to suicide, with a short ceremony at the end of the walk to remember those who lost their lives.

If you would like to dedicate a rock in memory of a veteran or soldier who has lost their life due to the struggle of PTSD, depression, sexual trauma, etc., please go to the "Dedicate a Rock" tab on this website and the rock will be carved with the name of that veteran and carried on the walk.  There is no fee for this service.

Possibly one of the most touching pieces of the walk last year was the dedication by families and friends to veterans and soldiers who lost their fight to the struggle of mental illness.  

Blumen Gardens donates 22 rocks which are then clean, polished, and carved by Rock Solid Sayings with the name of a veteran or soldier who has taken their life.  The rocks are carried on the 2.2-mile walk by the person dedicating the rock (or if they are not present, someone who would like to carry a rock).  At the completion of the walk, the rocks are placed together, a prayer is led, followed by the playing of Taps by a bugler.  This is a very touching and meaningful part of the day's events.

If you or someone you know would like to dedicate a rock to someone, please contact the Be the One Chairperson by phone or text at 815-540-7364.  We will need to know the name of the veteran, your name, and a phone number at which we can reach you.

There is NO COST to you for the rock and engraving.  The rock can be yours to keep or deliver to the family of the veteran.

The list of exhibitors is still growing.  At this time the list includes:

• The American Legion https://www.legion.org/advocacy/be-the-one :  The mission of The American Legion's Be The One initiative is to reduce the rate of veteran suicide. We're actively working on lessening the stigma associated with mental health treatment and empowering everyone to take appropriate action when a veteran or service member may be at risk – one life at a time.
• The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) https://dekalbcounty.org/departments/veterans-assistance-commission/local-veterans-organizations/veterans-of-foreign-wars/sycamore-veterans-of-foreign-wars/  actively works to combat veteran suicide through various initiatives focused on awareness, prevention, and support. They advocate for increased funding for VA and DOD programs, promote access to mental health services, and encourage open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma. The VFW also partners with organizations like Give an Hour to provide free mental health services to veterans and their families. 
• DeKalb County Veterans Assistance Commission (DCVAC) https://dekalbcounty.org/departments/veterans-assistance-commission/ :  a County Government Agency that is operated by and for Veterans. The Commission provides services and financial aid to military Veterans and their families who reside in DeKalb County and qualify for and/or need assistance.  The Financial Assistance Program is designed to help Veterans and their families who are in need of basic shelter assistance.  A veteran peer support group meets monthly at the site of the DCVAC.
• Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center https://www.nm.org/locations/behavioral-health-services-ben-gordon-dekalb?utm_source=yext&utm_medium=other+location&utm_campaign=online+listings&y_source=1_ODIyOTgwMy03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D :  Provision of mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment services to the DeKalb County area.  For people experiencing overwhelming life circumstances, mental health or substance use issues, Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center provides a space called "The Living Room" https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/behavioral-health/greater-dekalb-county-counseling-and-psychiatry/ben-gordon-center-the-living-room  for people to address crises as an alternative to going to an emergency department.  The Living Room is open to any DeKalb County resident age 18 or older, they do not need to be a registered client of Ben Gordon Center, No appointment needed, and no cost.  An example of the Living Room will be at the walk in a separate tent.
• BraveHearts https://braveheartsriding.org/  They "exist to bring hope, joy and unlimited possibilities through the healing power of the horse. Through our programs, we connect horses with people as a catalyst for wellness. Everyone has the opportunity to discover healing horsemanship at BraveHearts. We serve military veterans, veterans’ families, children and adults. All veterans and family members are served at no charge."  
• VA Madison Health Care and Mental Health Services  https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/
• Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association  :  Proudly serves those that served our country by bringing them recreational events that allow them to find their fun in a safe environment surrounded by people who understand.
• Folds of Honor https://foldsofhonor.org/about-us/ :  Provides life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military. 

....and more to come!

How long is the walk? 

The Walk is 2.2 miles, representing up to 22 lives lost/day to suicide.  There is a shorter circuit available for those who wish to walk, but do not wish to commit to the 2.2 miles.

Is there a registration fee?

There is no registration fee.  

Do I need to register my child?

Everyone who is 13 or older by the date of the walk must register. Minors between the ages of 13-17 must have a parent or guardian agree to the electronic waiver when registering online, and must have the signature of a parent or guardian on the participant waiver when registering at the Walk.

What if I do not want to walk or cannot walk?

Please still register and be there to provide support and learn more about the mission! Participants are welcome to join the other activities offered during the event, which include:  Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Labyrinth Meditation, and simply browsing the exhibitors tables to learn about resources available for the veterans and their families.  Be present for the rock dedication and prayer to honor those we have lost to suicide.  Participate in the 50/50 drawdown and other raffle prizes donated by area businesses. Don't forget to bring some cash to by your 50/50 and raffle tickets!

What happens if it rains?

Rain or shine, we will gather to support and raise awareness for this important cause. Please come prepared for any weather conditions and bring any necessary items, such as umbrellas or raincoats.  The Health and Wellness Center will provide dry towels if we get caught in a downpour!

Can I volunteer to help on the day of the Be the One Walk?

We can always use volunteers to help with set up, helping exhibitors, serving food, serving as a walk guide, manning a water station at the turnaround, and tear down at the end of the day.  Let us know if you are interested by calling or texting Cindy at 815-540-7364.  

Individuals and groups are welcome to sign up to volunteer.  Signing up to volunteer ahead of time will allow us to plan ahead, but walk up volunteers are always welcome and appreciated.

Can donations continue to be made after the walk has taken place?

Yes. You may continue to send in donations, even after the event has taken place.

The deadline to submit donations online for the walk occurring on September 21, 2025 is December 31, 2025.  After that time, you can still donate to the DeKalb American Legion Post 66 and place “66 for 22” in the memo line to indicate that you would like your donation to be committed to the “Be the One” account.