CT families are asking you to leave a green light on tonight. Here’s why

Hartford Courant – Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Connecticut residents are invited to leave a green light on in support of military veterans today, the state’s first Military Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day.

The official day was established by the state legislature and signed by Gov. Ned Lamont. It was inspired by the legacy of Command Sgt. Major Gary F. Sirois, of Plainville, who served in the United States Army for more than 20 years before retiring from the U.S. Army Reserve. His death in 2023 was a catalyst for those who loved him to push for the permanent day of recognition to honor military veterans who have died by suicide and support those still serving.

Following his death, Sirois’s daughters, fellow veteran Ed Ramsdell and others close to him reached out to state Rep. Rebecca Martinez, determined to find a way to honor his memory and raise awareness to help others.

“They reached out to me, and in 2025 we brought veterans, loved ones and state leaders together at the Capitol. Governor Lamont issued a proclamation recognizing the day, but I did not want it to stop with a single proclamation,” Martinez said. “This year, we passed legislation making September 30 Military Suicide Remembrance and Awareness Day in Connecticut every year.”

Martinez said in supporting the bill that as a behavioral health nurse she has seen the effects of PTSD among veterans and hopes the day can encourage conversations about mental health and make help more accessible.

“Across our country, we lose a veteran to suicide approximately every 82 minutes. That should stop all of us in our tracks and push us to do more.

“As a nurse, I have cared for people carrying wounds that others cannot see. Many veterans live with PTSD, depression, anxiety and trauma while still feeling pressure to remain silent. This day helps us start those difficult conversations and reminds veterans that seeking help is not weakness. It is courage,” she said.

Sirois earned the prestigious Bronze Star Medal for service in Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom but at home was known for his smile, quick wit and devotion to family, his obituary said. He also loved classic cars, classic rock and motorcycles.

Scott Martin, a U.S. Army veteran from Plainville who enlisted with Sirois, said in testifying before the legislature in support of the bill that the mission is to reach out to other veterans to help them get help. “Our message: there is no shame in asking for help and this is our mission,” he said.

Martinez said reducing the stigma around mental health treatment is critical to supporting veterans, as well as increasing resources and making resources more accessible.

To that end, she plans to host a VA Resource Day in Plainville in November with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The event will highlight available services for veterans and their loved ones and also include VA SAVE suicide prevention training to help people recognize warning signs and connect someone with help.

A dedicated hotline is already available for veterans: Veterans can dial 988 and press 1, text 838255 or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net for trained, confidential support 24 hours a day.

“We are also asking people across Connecticut to leave a green light on September 30 as a symbol of remembrance, hope and support. It is a simple way to show veterans that they are not alone,” Martinez said.

Martinez was working to distribute 250 green lightbulbs throughout Plainville to help light up the town.

“One green light is a symbol of remembrance. Together, green lights shining across Plainville and throughout Connecticut can send a message of strength and support. For those we have lost. For those still carrying the weight of their service. For their families. As a reminder that they are seen, supported and not alone,” a flyer for the day says.

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