Be the One Walk
- Date Sun 20th September 2026
- Time 10:00AM CDT
- Location Dekalb, Illinois
- Price Free
- Races 1 race
Event summary
Join us for the inspiring "Be the One Walk" on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in DeKalb, Illinois. This impactful event aims to raise awareness about veteran mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health support. Kicking off at 10:00 AM, the walk features a meaningful 2.2-mile route, symbolizing the heartbreaking statistic of 22 veterans who lose their lives to suicide each day. For those who prefer a shorter distance, a 1-mile circuit is also available.
Participants can check in starting at 9:00 AM, and there will be plenty of activities throughout the day for everyone, regardless of walking ability. Attendees can enjoy Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, and Labyrinth Meditation, as well as informative exhibits focused on veteran support services. Refreshments including apples, oranges, granola bars, and coffee will be available before the walk, with pizza and cookies served afterward. A special ceremony will honor the lives lost to suicide, with participants carrying rocks dedicated to veterans in memory of their struggles. Come walk with us to show your support, foster community, and remind our veterans that they are not alone in their fight. Together, let's take steps toward healing and hope!
Participants can check in starting at 9:00 AM, and there will be plenty of activities throughout the day for everyone, regardless of walking ability. Attendees can enjoy Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, and Labyrinth Meditation, as well as informative exhibits focused on veteran support services. Refreshments including apples, oranges, granola bars, and coffee will be available before the walk, with pizza and cookies served afterward. A special ceremony will honor the lives lost to suicide, with participants carrying rocks dedicated to veterans in memory of their struggles. Come walk with us to show your support, foster community, and remind our veterans that they are not alone in their fight. Together, let's take steps toward healing and hope!
Organiser's Description
BACKGROUND
At its core, BE THE ONE is the American Legion's top priority at the National level as well as at Veteran Organizations across DeKalb County. It is estimated that up to 22 veterans or service members take their lives each day. This walk is part of the American Legion's Mission and an initiative involving multiple communities that will help build awareness about the crisis, destigmatize asking for mental health support, and will introduce participants to resources available to veterans who are possibly struggling.
WALK DETAILS
The walk, which is hosted by the DEKALB AMERICAN LEGION POST 66, will begin at 10:00 am with a welcome and overview. Activities are expected to end by 12:00 noon.
REGISTRATION/CHECK IN will begin at 9:00 am. If you register on this site prior to the day of the walk, check-in will be as simple as us checking off your name. If you do not register online prior to the day of the walk, you can register on site on that day....bring your last-minute friends with you and please remember to register your children as well if they will be walking with you!
THE WALK is an outdoor route which is 2.2 miles (representing 22 lives/day) on sidewalks and asphalt pathways. There is a 1-mile circuit available as well for those who cannot or do not wish to walk the full 2.2 miles.
OTHER ACTIVITIES are available if you do not wish to walk or are unable to walk but still want to attend to demonstrate support and increase awareness. Please register, even if not walking, to enjoy a beautiful day with friends and participate in other activities. Activities available on the patio and in the classrooms during that time frame will likely include Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Labyrinth Meditation, and multiple exhibits for you to visit with information focusing on veteran mental health support and services.
REFRESHMENTS will be available prior to the walk...apples from the orchard, oranges, and granola bars, as well as the much needed morning coffee. Pizza and cookies donated by community businesses will also be available following the walk.
22 ROCKS will be carried in the walk, representing the loss of 22 lives/day to suicide, with a short ceremony at the end of the walk to remember those who lost their lives.
If you would like to dedicate a rock in memory of a veteran or soldier who has lost their life due to the struggle of PTSD, depression, sexual trauma, etc., please go to the "Dedicate a Rock" tab on this website and the rock will be carved with the name of that veteran and carried on the walk. There is no fee for this service.
Come walk with usfor yourself, for someone you love, for the belief that even in our darkest moments, theres still light to move toward. If you cant walk, come join us anyway, to show your support to those who are still fighting the battle.
Every step is a statement to our veterans who might be struggling: "You are not alone. And your life is worth fighting for."
At its core, BE THE ONE is the American Legion's top priority at the National level as well as at Veteran Organizations across DeKalb County. It is estimated that up to 22 veterans or service members take their lives each day. This walk is part of the American Legion's Mission and an initiative involving multiple communities that will help build awareness about the crisis, destigmatize asking for mental health support, and will introduce participants to resources available to veterans who are possibly struggling.
WALK DETAILS
The walk, which is hosted by the DEKALB AMERICAN LEGION POST 66, will begin at 10:00 am with a welcome and overview. Activities are expected to end by 12:00 noon.
REGISTRATION/CHECK IN will begin at 9:00 am. If you register on this site prior to the day of the walk, check-in will be as simple as us checking off your name. If you do not register online prior to the day of the walk, you can register on site on that day....bring your last-minute friends with you and please remember to register your children as well if they will be walking with you!
THE WALK is an outdoor route which is 2.2 miles (representing 22 lives/day) on sidewalks and asphalt pathways. There is a 1-mile circuit available as well for those who cannot or do not wish to walk the full 2.2 miles.
OTHER ACTIVITIES are available if you do not wish to walk or are unable to walk but still want to attend to demonstrate support and increase awareness. Please register, even if not walking, to enjoy a beautiful day with friends and participate in other activities. Activities available on the patio and in the classrooms during that time frame will likely include Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Labyrinth Meditation, and multiple exhibits for you to visit with information focusing on veteran mental health support and services.
REFRESHMENTS will be available prior to the walk...apples from the orchard, oranges, and granola bars, as well as the much needed morning coffee. Pizza and cookies donated by community businesses will also be available following the walk.
22 ROCKS will be carried in the walk, representing the loss of 22 lives/day to suicide, with a short ceremony at the end of the walk to remember those who lost their lives.
If you would like to dedicate a rock in memory of a veteran or soldier who has lost their life due to the struggle of PTSD, depression, sexual trauma, etc., please go to the "Dedicate a Rock" tab on this website and the rock will be carved with the name of that veteran and carried on the walk. There is no fee for this service.
Come walk with usfor yourself, for someone you love, for the belief that even in our darkest moments, theres still light to move toward. If you cant walk, come join us anyway, to show your support to those who are still fighting the battle.
Every step is a statement to our veterans who might be struggling: "You are not alone. And your life is worth fighting for."
Races
-
DeKalb American Legion Post 66, Be the One Walk
Sun 20th September 2026 (10:00AM CDT)
Free
The 2.2 mile walk is family-friendly and for all ages and abilities. The course is level and easy to walk at a leisurely pace on a sidewalk along a roadway and a wide asphalt pathway through a parklike setting. If anyone wishes to walk 1-mile, they can walk with the group for the initial part of the walk, then guides will be available to direct them on the one-mile circuit. A water stop and turnaround will be available at approximately halfway on the walk at the PA Nehring Forest Preserve parking lot.
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Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Health and Wellness Center, 626 Bethany Road, Dekalb, 60115, IL, United States
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