Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial (MNVM) has announced plans for the upcoming dedication of the Veterans Standing Together Across America (VSTAA) Flag, an extraordinary art piece and symbol for suicide prevention created by retired U.S. Navy chief and nationally acclaimed artist Joe Pisano of Pisano Artistry.
The Missouri VSTAA Flag, composed entirely of drywall screws and framed in white, is part of a growing national campaign aimed at raising awareness about veteran suicide and diversity.
Originating with Pisano’s “Stand Together Flag,” this initiative now includes multiple flags signed by more than 5,000 veterans across the country. The Missouri Flag is a gift from the Resurrecting Lives Foundation (RLF) in recognition of the state’s long-standing support for veterans. RLF’s mission is to coordinate and advocate for a successful transition to a post-military career and life for veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
The VSTAA movement brings together veterans and civilians in patriotic flag-signing ceremonies, emphasizing the history, honor, and healing that arise from veterans’ stories. This cultivates a sense of belonging among veterans, helping to reduce the isolation and depression that often lead to veteran suicides.
The civilian community becomes aware of the true cost of service, thereby strengthening communal bonds. To mark the beginning of the flag’s journey to Missouri, a ceremonial send-off took place in San Diego, Calif.
The public joined San Diego’s Patriot Guard Riders, the San Diego Sea Cadets, CVMA veterans, ex-POW Tom Crosby, Vietnam Tunnel Rat Richard Rivero, and Medal of Honor recipients John Baca and Capt. Royce Williams, among others. A ceremonial flag line was formed along the hallways of Liberty Station, culminating in a brief presentation and the National Anthem, at which attendees waved handheld American flags in support of the flag’s “deployment” to Missouri.
About the artist and campaign
Chief Pisano launched the VSTAA campaign with the support of Dr. Chrisanne Gordon, founder of the Resurrecting Lives Foundation. In collaboration with RLF, Pisano has created flags for Ohio, Hawaii, and Alaska; each mobilized as visual tools for healing, awareness, and public engagement.
The Missouri VSTAA Flag will stand as a symbol of hope and dialogue. RLF emphasizes that this gift to Missouri is a tribute to the support they’ve received from the state’s citizens, particularly Stan Crader, a longtime MNVM supporter, patriot, and original board member of RLF.
Crader played a key role in connecting MNVM with RLF. He is expected to help present the flag during the dedication ceremony and flag signing scheduled for Thursday, July 3, at MNVM, 1172 Veterans Memorial Parkway, in Perryville.
The ceremony will include remarks from Rae Lynn Munoz, MNVM executive director and USMC veteran, along with appearances by Dr. Gordon, Chief Pisano, and regional veterans. The event will honor those who have served and those lost to suicide while promoting unity, dialogue, and continued outreach.
