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The Memorial Day ceremony will recognize a Maryland nonprofit organization that's working to improve the lives of veterans through music.

Veteran Sean Brown wrote lyrics to a song called "Make You Stay" during a weekend songwriting retreat last year, one of the many programs provided by the Annapolis-based Warrior Music Foundation .

"I am continually awed by the music that comes out of these weekends and just to witness to the transformation," said Kirsten Anatone, the foundation's director of programs.

The foundation offers free music therapy and music lessons to veterans. Anatone will be honored at this year's Memorial Day ceremony on Monday at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.

"We meet with a veteran and work on some therapeutic goals. As part of our application process, we ask them what they want to learn. Then, we look for teachers and pair them with whatever it is they want to. And, if they don't have an instrument or a means to get an instrument, we provide that as well," Anatone told 11 News.

The hope is that the healing power of music can improve mental health and ultimately reduce suicide rates within the military community.

"Many veterans, upon coming back, feel very unmoored. They don't know who they are, and it's a real challenge society, get back into society, and a great way to restore that sense of self, claim that sense of self in ways. Perhaps, that person forgot who they are, but also learning who they are through music, whether it's songwriting or therapy," Anatone told 11 News.

Monday's ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Among others being honored this year includes 10 members of the armed forces from Maryland who died in defense of the United States since May 2024.