GLASTONBURY, CONN. (Sept. 20, 2025)–Department of Connecticut Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Charles M. Pickett continued a proud tradition of leading an annual 22k suicide prevention hike by the leading MCL detachment in the state.

Organized by the Peter P. Monaco Jr. Detachment 40 of the Marine Corps League, hundreds of veterans and service members from around Connecticut and the country converge in Glastonbury, Connecticut, for the annual Hike to Remember to build awareness, camaraderie, and to prevent veteran and military suicide–an ongoing public health epidemic in America.

Pickett said he and his post have been participating since Hike V (2017), when he first carried the Veterans of Foreign Wars New Haven Post 12150’s guidon, leading more than 160 through the roads of the Hartford suburb community in eastern Connecticut.

With him is American Legion New Haven Post 210 Chaplain Britt Conroy in the center, and setting the pace in the guide position with the MCL Det. 40 guidon is Davey Edwards, the founder and executive director of the veteran and family focused non-profit Open Doors Outdoors.

Now, the hike continues to grow, with around 300 veterans and service members registering for the annual event. The hike features breakfast at the Irish American Club, refreshment stations, a break on the lawn of the Goodale-Ramaker American Legion Post 56, and a cook out at Glastonbury Veterans Hall (980 Chestnut Hill Rd, South Glastonbury, CT 06073).