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Representative Graeber marks anniversary of family member's suicide and thanks colleagues for support
Summary
Representative Graeber gave an emotional remonstrance marking the one-year anniversary of a family member's suicide, describing grief experienced publicly and thanking colleagues for their support; the House also recognized American Foundation for Suicide Prevention members visiting the capitol.
Representative Graeber used floor time on Feb. 9 to mark the one-year anniversary of a family member, Addison, who died by suicide. Graeber described the public nature of grief as a legislator, recounted a private memorial pilgrimage and thanked colleagues for support during the past year.
"It is a strange and terrible thing to grieve a loss so publicly... I want to start today by saying thank you," Graeber said, describing sharing ashes and a private ceremony in the Mojave Desert. Earlier, Graeber invited the chamber to give courtesies to members of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), noting advocacy day at the capital and the importance of survivors sharing their stories to inform policy.
Members offered spoken courtesies and the House proceeded with additional announcements. No formal legislation or motions related to suicide prevention were recorded during Graeber's remarks.
