The Department of Veterans Affairs says 20 veterans struggling with PTSD or depression commit suicide every day in the U.S.

Work is now underway on a monument, set to stand as a silent reminder.

The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park broke ground on The Battle Within Memorial Thursday.

Once it's finished, the monument will feature life-size silhouettes and an inscription that reads, "a tribute to those we will always carry, and to those we can longer hold."

The Battle Within Foundation began after a member of the Masonic community, Captain Peter Shank, took his own life after three deployments in Afghanistan. 

His Masonic brothers of Harmonie Lodge created the foundation to help other veterans in crisis.

“The feelings that people are feeling that lead them to not seek help, or not accept help, if we can make people understand that there's a support network and there's an entire Western New York community that wants to come together to serve and save these brave men and women, we can do that together,” said William Chapin, The Battle Within Foundation treasurer.

"It's going to be a unique monument to the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, much different than what you see in terms of the stone monuments because it will be a piece of steel, you'll be able to peer through it. By looking through you'll be able to see as if you're looking through someone's soul that there's something deeper and more meaningful to this piece of architecture,” said Paul Marzello, Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park president and CEO.

If you or any veteran you know is seeking help, the number for the 24/7 Veterans Crisis line is 1-800-273-8255, or you can text 838-255. 

The monument is set to be unveiled on May 27.