Non-profit seeks to bring meaning to Memorial Day
May 23, 2022, 1:00 PM | Updated: 4:12 pm
Carry The Load will make stops throughout Utah on May 23. Photo credit: Carry the Load
SALT LAKE CITY — The non-profit organization, Carry The Load, is marching across the nation in order to honor veterans and first responders 365 days a year. Today’s stop: Salt Lake City.
For over a decade, Carry The Load has raised awareness of the sacrifices made by America’s military, veterans and first responders. The organization also strives to honor those who are no longer with us.
Power in numbers
Founded by two U.S. Navy SEALs in 2011, the non-profit started with the Dallas Memorial March. The 400 participants raised nearly $50,000 to fund their programs.
According to Media Coordinator, Matthew Cornell, the idea struck when the founding veterans were at Memorial Day barbeque.
“They recognized that while people tend to enjoy the holiday of Memorial Day, they have largely lost sight of the true meaning,” said Cornell.
The Navy SEAL decided to fill a pack with a pound for every lost hero he knew; carrying the weight of the fallen.
The event grew each year and became a national rally. Last year, the event crossed 42 states, and raised over $2 million.
This year, the march spans 20,000 miles through 48 states. Carry The Load has 100 rallies planned including three in Salt Lake City.
About the mission
According to the organization’s website, Carry The Load, “provides an active way to connect Americans to the sacrifices made daily by our military, veterans, first responders and their families.”
Funds raised go towards emotional healing and care, recovery services, counseling, adaptive training, service dogs, suicide prevention, job placements, home improvements, scholarships for children of the fallen, and more.
“The organization is doing important work by focusing on and continuing to inspire patriotism and raise awareness for a cause that’s not often thought of,” said Cornell
Utah routes
Monday is day 7 of a 32-day march. There are several stops throughout the state Monday starting at the Utah State Capitol at 1 p.m. and ending at the Unified Fire Authority Station 125 in Midvale.
For a full list of routes visit relay.carrytheload.org.
The relay is open to anyone. Carry The Load invites people to cheer on the participants at the planned stops.
To find out more about Carry The Load or to donate to the cause visit carrytheload.org.
Related: WATCH: 88-year-old veteran stops to salute every flag on his morning walk
