22 Until None holds walk at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery

In an early celebration of Memorial Day, community members in Killeen gathered to honor veterans and raise awareness for veteran suicide prevention.

Hundreds of flags are spread out across the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery ahead of Memorial Day.

Ryley Cueva and his three friends were among those who visited the cemetary on Sunday.

"This is their resting place, but it's not where their story ends," said Cuevas.

They were taking part in 22 Until None's remembrance walk to honor fallen veterans and bring attention that at least 20 veterans take their own life each day.

The cause is close to Emma Martinez's heart.

"We're honoring a recent cadet that we lost and we're taking this time to recollect and look back all the great times we had with him," said Martinez

Participants looped around the cemetery 21 times.

"We are challenging ourselves physically to symbolize the 21 gun salute," said 22 Until None's Killeen Chapter Founder Frank Cash.

Some like Sharon Johnson carried a flag while they circled the cemetery.

"We're raising awareness for those who may see us from afar and wonder what's going on and what this is all about. We might be able to draw them in and maybe we can touch some lives and they might want to do the same thing," said Johnson.

As an ROTC student, Martinez says the walk allows them to also reflect on those who have fought for their freedom.

"It makes me think about when I'm gonna serve and how I'm I going to be able to take up and finish off their legacy," said Martinez.

Cuevas believes this shows the community that they're not forgotten.

"They rest within us, these men never truly die until we forget about them, their fight is our fight," said Cuevas.

This is the second year for organizers to hold this walk.

The Department of Veterans Affairs says 18% of all deaths from suicide among U.S adults are veterans.