2026 Lantern Walk
Walk for life & Remembrance
WHY THIS WALK MATTERS
Every lantern carried during this walk represents more than light.
It represents a son.
A daughter.
A husband.
A wife.
A friend.
A battle buddy.
A life that mattered.
Together, we gather to remember those we have lost, support those who continue to struggle, and remind every military member, veteran, family, and friend that they are never alone.
Together, we remember. Together, we heal. Together, we light the way.
Event details:
WHO ARE YOU WALKING FOR?
Every person who joins the Lantern Walk has a story.
Some walk in memory of a son, daughter, spouse, parent, sibling, friend, or fellow service member whose life was lost too soon.
Others walk beside someone who continues to fight depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health challenges.
Many walk simply because they believe no one should ever struggle alone.
Whoever you are walking for, your presence matters.
When you register, you’ll have the opportunity to share the name of the person you are honoring or remembering. During our reception, we will recognize those lives through a special remembrance tribute created from the photographs and names submitted by their families and loved ones.
Each year, our community comes together to carry light into the darkness, honor those we have lost, support those who continue to struggle, and remind one another that hope is always worth sharing.
Every lantern tells a story. Every name is remembered. Every life matters.
❤️ Share Your Loved One
Help us honor those who inspire your walk.
During our reception, a memorial slideshow will be shown featuring the names, photographs, and stories of the individuals our participants are walking for. Whether you are honoring someone you have lost, supporting someone still fighting, or celebrating a life that has made a lasting impact, we invite you to share their story with us.
Your submission will become part of this special tribute, reminding every person in attendance that every life matters and every story deserves to be remembered.
Become A Sponsor
Your Support Brings Hope to Others
Every sponsorship helps us create an evening of remembrance, healing, and hope for military families, veterans, active-duty service members, and our community.
The Lantern Walk is more than a fundraising event. It is an opportunity to honor lives, raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, and remind those who may be struggling that they are never alone.
Your partnership helps make this event possible while supporting the year-round mission of The Brandon Caserta Foundation.
Your sponsorship helps provide:
- 🕯️ Lantern Walk event expenses
- 🇺🇸 Mental health awareness and education
- 💙 Resources for active-duty service members, veterans, and military families
- 🚲 Foundation programs such as Brandon’s Bikes and Family Travel Assistance (as funding allows)
- 📢 Continued advocacy and education surrounding The Brandon Act
Whether you are a business, organization, or individual, your support directly impacts lives and helps us continue Brandon’s legacy of compassion, kindness, and hope.
Together, we can ensure that no one faces their darkest moments alone.
AE3 Brandon Caserta
May 25, 1997 – June 25, 2018
WHY WE CREATED THE LANTERN WALK
On June 25, 2018, our son, Aviation Electrician’s Mate Third Class Brandon Caserta, died by suicide while serving in the United States Navy.
Like so many military families, we were left searching for answers while trying to understand how someone so compassionate, kind, and full of life could reach a point where hope seemed out of reach.
In the years that followed, Brandon’s story inspired change. His legacy led to the creation of The Brandon Act, legislation that allows active-duty service members to confidentially request a mental health evaluation without first notifying their chain of command.
But legislation alone is not enough.
The Lantern Walk was created to bring people together—to remember those we have lost, support those who continue to struggle, and remind every person in attendance that they are never alone.
Each lantern represents a life.
Each step represents hope.
Each person who walks helps carry Brandon’s legacy forward by helping build a future where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, and where every service member knows they are valued, supported, and never forgotten.
Together, we remember. Together, we heal. Together, we light the way.
WHY WE CREATED THE LANTERN WALK
On June 25, 2018, our son, Aviation Electrician’s Mate Third Class Brandon Caserta, died by suicide while serving in the United States Navy.
Like so many military families, we were left searching for answers while trying to understand how someone so compassionate, kind, and full of life could reach a point where hope seemed out of reach.
In the years that followed, Brandon’s story inspired change. His legacy led to the creation of The Brandon Act, legislation that allows active-duty service members to confidentially request a mental health evaluation without first notifying their chain of command.
But legislation alone is not enough.
The Lantern Walk was created to bring people together—to remember those we have lost, support those who continue to struggle, and remind every person in attendance that they are never alone.
Each lantern represents a life.
Each step represents hope.
Each person who walks helps carry Brandon’s legacy forward by helping build a future where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, and where every service member knows they are valued, supported, and never forgotten.
Together, we remember. Together, we heal. Together, we light the way.
🌟 Final Call to Action
Join us as we walk for life, remembrance, and hope.
Whether you walk in memory of someone you love, in support of someone still fighting, or because you believe every life matters, your presence makes a difference.
🤝 Thank You to Our 2026 Community Partners & Sponsors
Because of the generosity of our sponsors and community partners, we are able to create a meaningful evening of remembrance while supporting The Brandon Caserta Foundation’s mission to prevent military suicide and ensure no service member faces a mental health crisis alone.
