The cross-country Carry The Load Memorial May National Relay is now underway and will pass through Chattanooga on Thursday, at 2 p.m.at the Clifton Baptist Church at 3616 Rossville Blvd. and ends at Taft Highway and Big Fork Road in Signal Mountain.
Carry The Load provides an interactive way for Americans to salute military, law enforcement, firefighters and rescue personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and serving our country. This 2,000-mile relay, which began in West Point, NY, provides an opportunity for Americans to walk for 27 days to remember, honor, and celebrate our nation's heroes.
“In the past, Carry The Load has been a life-changing journey for participants as they walk or run along the route,” said Carry The Load co-founder Clint Bruce. “It’s really a great opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have fought and defended the freedoms we enjoy today.”
With more than 900 miles behind them, Carry The Load participants will continue to walk in support of the organization’s mission, which is to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day and collect donations for this year’s nonprofit partners, which include, Team RWB, TAPS, Snowball Express and Heroes on the Water.
“Each leg of the journey is different,” said Mr. Bruce. “With more than 230 relay points located in various cities all across the country, Chattanooga, is just one piece of an even greater mission and we appreciate all the local support that the residents of Chattanooga have shown.”
Since the inception of Carry The Load, thousands have walked for several hours throughout the day and night, in all types of weather elements, to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by fallen soldiers, public service officials, and their families.
Visit CarryTheLoad.org to join the National Relay, make a donation, or to share your story. The website provides a town-by-town overview, lists activities planned in local cities, and highlights the progress of the cross-country event.