HOUSTON — Houstonians are volunteering to ‘carry the load’ to help restore the true meaning of Memorial Day.
Carry The Load is a non-profit dedicated to providing active, meaningful ways to honor and celebrate the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes, military veterans, first responders and their families.
About one month before Memorial Day each year, the group hosts regional groups to walk in respect for our nation’s heroes and to raise money among friends, family and coworkers.
Three routes operate daily through the month of May, handing off the American flag every 5 miles of walking and/or cycling.
More than 11,500 miles of ground is covered including through the heart of Houston.
Jared Sprunk had the honor to serve with Lance Corporal Joshua Bernard, who was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan.
“Carry The Load, I think it means to try to live your life in a way that folks who aren’t here anymore would be proud of,” said Sprunk.
Robert Lopez is a Dallas firefighter who has participated in Carry The Load for years.
“The unity it brings together and the people who really care makes me happy,” said Lopez.
It makes me happy inside to know all the people we touch. With the money that’s raised we touch a lot of people and a lot of lives.” he said.
This weekend, the three regional routes will converge in Dallas for a 20-hour march.
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