Construction Begins On New Memorial In Broken Arrow For Veterans Lost To PTSD

A special project is under construction in Broken Arrow called 'The War at Home’ Memorial.

City leaders said it will honor veterans whose battles continued through suffering from PTSD.

American flags wave proudly at Veterans Park. They serve as a reminder that freedom isn't free, it comes at a cost.

"Without them, we wouldn't be standing here today in my mind,” said Broken Arrow City Manager Michael Spurgeon.

Soon, a new memorial will honor those whose battles followed them home.

The nonprofit Mission 22 and the Creek Nation teamed up with the city to make this come to life.

Spurgeon said it's around $550,000 total for granite monuments and construction costs.

Twenty silhouettes will serve to remember veterans who have lost their lives to suicide after coming home. The memorial will also represent veterans daily fighting their own battles against PTSD.

The silhouettes resemble real American veterans. The number is based on veteran suicide statistics to represent the average daily number of deaths from PTSD.

Spurgeon hopes the memorial will give people a place to reflect.

"Our goal here is to honor those that have lost their lives. As they come home, you would think that's when their tour of duty ends. Unfortunately, it did not,” Spurgeon said.

Spurgeon served in the Army and the National Guard Reserve as a First Lieutenant. As a veteran himself, he said it hits close to home.

"And I say that and get a little emotional because I know what it takes, the amount of sacrifice that is required to be a veteran,” Spurgeon said.

He wants the park to also echo the city's support for those who fought for our freedom.

"And that we're going to do everything we can to make sure that they have a place to go and that we honor them for their sacrifice,” Spurgeon said.

The project is expected to be completed in December.

If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD CLICK HERE.

For more information, visit the Broken Arrow city website here.

It is our policy to provide resources for anybody considering self-harm when reporting about a situation involving suicide or a suicide attempt. 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 1-800-273-8255.

The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) connect veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.

Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HELLO to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.