Deck the faces with moustaches, fa la la la la, la la men’s health. (Photos provided by Carmel Fire Department)
By TIM GRIFFIN
Carmel Fire Department
The Carmel Fire Department invites you to join our Movember press conference at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Everyone Deserves Their Morning Sun roundabout at the intersection of North Range Line Road/Lowes Way/Clay Terrace Boulevard to kick off the Movember campaign.
November speaks to the health of the fire service like no other month. November, with the slogan “No Shave November,” generates awareness about men’s health issues, specifically to prostate/testicular cancer and mental health. Firemen are famous for their mustaches, so this cause fits the fire service like a glove. Across Carmel’s fire stations facial hair becomes more than a tradition – it’s a conversation starter – opening the door to important, and often difficult health conversations. Those small exchanges can help break down barriers around topics that men often keep too private.
According to the International Association of Firefighters, occupational cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters. In a career field that is 96 percent male, it is apparent why Movember is a cause that is of paramount importance. Men are dying too young from this health crisis. The fire service cannot continue without confronting these issues and bringing conversations to the forefront.
Men are dying too young from preventable or treatable illnesses. Promoting early detection, screenings and open dialogue about physical and mental health is critical to protecting firefighters, their families, and their futures.
This year marks the third year of Carmel’s Movember campaign and it will again center around one of the most recognizable public art pieces: Everyone Deserves Their Morning Sun by artist Brad Howe. “I am very proud of this piece,” Howe said. “I’m honored and delighted that it will be used for such an important campaign.”
Located in one of Carmel’s iconic roundabouts, Morning Sun, with it’s rounded, rising shape, represents resilience and renewal, just like the sun that shines after every storm. Throughout November, it will once again become a symbol of remembrance, support and victory for men’s health.
Every $5 donation to Movember will go toward placement of a blue flag in the center of the roundabout. Each flag will represent a survivor, a loved one, or a supporter, creating a powerful visual tribute to unity and shared courage.
The goal is to fill the roundabout with flags that signify stories of triumph over the health challenges Movember seeks to confront. Together they will remind the community that overcoming these battles is not just a personal victory but a collective one.
With Morning Sun at the center of this movement, the Carmel Fire Department’s goal is to make it a beloved and meaningful site throughout November and beyond – a place that embodies resilience, community and unstoppable spirit of those who fight for better health outcomes for men.
Please join us to kickoff Movember at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Morning Sun roundabout, serving as both a celebration and a time for reflection – a moment of inspiration that will help Carmel shine brighter and stand united in the fight for men’s health.
Scan the QR code below to make a donation to the Carmel Fire Department’s Movember campaign.
