A Memorial Day tradition continued along the Katy Trail and Reverchon Park in Dallas. Thousands of people spent 20 hours, beginning at about 4 p.m. Sunday, “Carrying the Load,” walking in memory of someone who died serving our country; military, police and firefighters.
Carrying the Load is a physical grind with people walking 30, 40 even 50 miles in 20 hours. Carrying American flags, big back packs, and everyone's carrying the memory of someone who served and died.
While most of us slept, many walked all night long. We found Bill Brueggeman, of Minneapolis, trudging along at about 6 a.m. Monday after walking more than 19 miles. He planned to walk another seven.
“I wish I felt better. I’ve been a little more worn down than I would like to be,” said Brueggeman, whose parents served in World War II.
“Just having a good time,” said Justin Ridnour of Dallas. “It’s physically exhausting, but I can’t think of a better way to share Memorial Day.”
This is a dream fulfilled for a Navy SEAL from Dallas. Clint Bruce put on his boots and pack one Memorial Day and started walking in memory of his fallen buddies. Now thousands join him.
"The point of it is to walk and think about who you're carrying, and when we get the opportunity to ask you and hear the story of who you're carrying that's the really special stuff,” said Bruce, the co-founder of Carry the Load.
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People walk alone, walk with dogs, walk with friends. A powerful and memorable way to spend part of Memorial Day.
"We tell jokes, we tell stories. Anything to take our mind off the physical pain,” said Megan Wilson. “But it's a lot of fun and an opportunity to push myself physically which so many people do for me."
The event also raises tens of thousands of dollars for charities that help the families of fallen soldiers, police and firefighters.
For more on Carry the Load check out www.carrytheload.org.
