Memorial Day holds a special significance for an organization in Biloxi, Mississippi. It is not just another day for them.
Carry the Load is commemorating “Memorial May” through a nationwide walk spanning 20,000 miles across five distinct routes. On Wednesday, the team traversed South Mississippi as part of their journey.
As the country gears up for a long weekend filled with barbecues and social gatherings, Carry the Load reminds everyone to remember the true significance of the holiday.
Judd Word encourages everyone to take some time during the weekend to visit a national cemetery or any other place where veterans are honored.
Mia McGurl believes that everyone takes at least one thing for granted every day or even more. She emphasizes that people often fail to appreciate and understand the origin of these things, which can be attributed to the sacrifices made by fallen soldiers, veterans, and first responders.
The East Coast route, which starts in West Point, N.Y., will pass through South Mississippi before ending in Dallas, Texas. This is where all the route walkers gather for the final Memorial Day celebration.
“They feel incredibly honored that we are walking in honor of them or their loved ones, whether it’s their mother, father, or fallen child,” McGurl explains. “They express their gratitude for what we’re doing, but the truth is, we are the ones who should be thanking them.”
What does “Carry the Load” mean? In this case, it refers to the metaphorical baggage that first responders and veterans may carry.
“They carry a weight that is not always visible,” Word adds. “Carry the Load is about stepping forward, putting on a pack, shouldering that burden, and discussing the individuals we have lost. It is a way to remember them and, as I mentioned earlier, to reassure their families that we are still here and we still deeply care.”
On Wednesday, the group embarked on a three to five-mile journey from the Biloxi National Cemetery to Pass Christian.
Carry the Load, a nonprofit organization, was established in 2011 by two Navy SEALs. Every year, during Memorial May, the group commemorates fallen heroes by engaging in walks and paying tribute to their sacrifices.
