A resolution calling for more to be done to guard against suicides among veterans and military personnel was cause for some high emotion in the Vermont House.
Lawmakers approved the resolution in a unanimous roll call vote as family members and friends of military personnel and veterans who died by their own hands sat in the House gallery.
Rep. Tommy Walz, a Barre Democrat, struggled to control his emotions as he told of his son-in-law, Ted Merchant, committing suicide while serving in the Coast Guard in 2000.
Walz says the young man feared that his military career would be damaged if he sought help dealing with depression and anxiety.
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