Mural Honors Annapolis Sailor Who Died By Suicide
Editor's Note: This story covers veteran suicide, mental health issues and sexual assault. If you or somebody you know needs help, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Veterans can also contact America's Warrior Partnership for military-focused mental health assistance.ANNAPOLIS, MD — A new mural in downtown Annapolis brings awareness to sexual abuse and suicide in the military. The painting pays respect to Danny Buck, a Navy sailor from Annapolis who died by suicide after he was sexually assaulted on a ship in Japan.Danny called his mother, Betty Buck, on April 29, 2019. He told her it was "D Day," or "Death Day," and shared the story of his assault. Danny asked his mom to fight for change, and he took his own life after the call. Danny, 39, had a wife and a daughter.Betty founded the HM2 Buck for Hope Foundation in her son's memory. The former beer distributor now pushes for mental health and sexual assault reforms. This advocacy and Patch's coverage of Danny's story led Betty to be featured in a forthcoming documentary on mental health in the military.The foundation takes its name from Danny's rank as an HM2, or a hospital corpsman. Nicknamed "Doc," Danny treated injured Marines during a deployment to Afghanistan and another to Iraq. With the help of his mother, Danny once distributed 600 pairs of sneakers to service members rehabbing injuries.The mural adorns the outer wall of the foundation's office at 182 Duke of Gloucester St. It has several elements, each with a distinct meaning."The hardest one for me is the bottom right," Betty told Patch in a Tuesday email. "It is a soldier handing the family an American flag and it takes me to the day of Danny's service."The mural is located at 182 Duke of Gloucester St. (Jacob Baumgart/Patch)The top right features the insignia for Danny's group. The upper left depicts a Navy ship and a sailor with hands over their mouth, symbolizing the culture of silence in the armed forces. The bottom left shows a weapon inside the boots of a deceased service member."In the middle is ribbon of half purple and half teal representing awareness of Sexual Assault and Suicide," Betty said.Betty unveiled the mural on July 16. About 40 friends and relatives attended, as did several elected officials."I did the mural to help again and ... to spread awareness but also to represent and remember those like Danny who suffered in silence," Betty wrote. "I truly believe until it becomes Okay to talk about and truly understand these two horrible issues[,] we can’t move forward."Ginger Vander Haeghe painted the mural. She is the owner of Precision Paint Creations, an arts company based in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Haeghe signed the mural "For Danny.""It is my hope that every [midshipman] sees it and [understands] they don’t need to go through anything alone," Betty said, alluding to the students of the nearby Naval Academy.More information on the foundation is available at hm2buckforhope.com.Related:Veteran Suicide Documentary To Feature 2 Marylanders Seeking ChangeSoldier's Suicide Sparks $50K MD Fundraiser In Honor Of ‘Most Protective, Loving Person’Sailor's Suicide Leads Annapolis Mom To Fight Military Sexual Assault Annapolis native and Navy sailor Danny Buck died by suicide in 2019 after he was sexually assaulted. His mother, Betty Buck, started the HM2 Buck for Hope Foundation in his honor to fight sexual assault and suicide in the military. (Courtesy of Betty Buck)Get The Latest Local News (For Free!) With One Quick TapThe article Mural Honors Annapolis Sailor Who Died By Suicide appeared first on Anne Arundel, MD Patch.
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