A traveling memorial that honors the sacrifice of the Ohio marine reserve unit Lima Company in the Global War on Terror is also bringing attention to the epidemic of veteran suicide.

Corporal Mike Strahle says a sculpture called Silent Battle has really become one of their main focuses.

“We’re still gonna travel the country honoring service, but we have a very specific focus on the veteran suicide issue right now, and we’re glad to take up arms in that fight.”

Strahle lost 23 of his fellow Lima Company marines in 2005 and says the first step to healing is knowing that they are not alone.

Veterans are encouraged to touch the sculpture to receive healing love and prayers from it and from people who have left messages on dog tags at the sculpture.

You can see the sculpture, along with the rest of the tribute to Lima Company called “Eyes of Freedom: Lima Company Memorial” at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts through Saturday.